About
The International AIC School 2026, organized under the auspices of the Italian Crystallographic Association (AIC), is a four-day educational event dedicated to exploring the world of crystallography, from its fundamental principles to its most innovative applications.
Hosted in the beautiful city of Bari (Italy), the School aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical foundations and the latest developments shaping modern crystallographic research.
Designed for young scientists, PhD students, and early-career researchers, the School offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from leading experts in the field. Through lectures, computing sessions, and discussions, participants will gain valuable insights into diffraction methods, structure determination, computational tools, and emerging frontiers such as nanoscale materials analysis and artificial intelligence.
Participants will also be invited to present their crystallographic research through poster sessions and short oral contributions, with a limited number of slots available for very brief talks.
With its balanced mix of foundational teaching and exposure to cutting-edge topics, the AIC School 2026 promises to be an enriching experience, a place to learn, share, and envision the future of crystallography in advancing materials science and related fields.
On behalf of the AIC community, we look forward to welcoming you in Bari!
Topics
The program is structured across four thematic days:
- Day 1 – From Diffraction to Structure Determination
Introduction to essential crystallographic concepts, including the phase problem, featuring an opening lecture by Prof. Carmelo Giacovazzo. The program covers structural biology, fundamentals of X-ray diffraction, the small-molecule structure-solution workflow from single-crystal data, macromolecular structure determination, and the broader role of education and infrastructure in advancing crystallography.
- Day 2 – Structure Solution and Refinement: Methods and Software
A focus on structure-determination methods using X-ray powder diffraction and electron diffraction, complemented by software sessions highlighting advanced tools such as SIR, Olex2, and EXPO.
- Day 3 – Methods, Techniques and Computation in Crystallography
Exploration of advanced diffraction methods for complex materials, nanosystems, including PDF analysis, integrated by the use of the SUNBIM software suite for materials characterization. A dedicated lecture will focus on structure–property relationships. The session also includes presentations on the Quantum ESPRESSO package and on the Cambridge Structural Database, emphasizing their key role in modern structure analysis.
- Day 4 – The Multifaceted and Interdisciplinary Character of Crystallography
A perspective on the broad and multifaceted field of crystallography, spanning topics from natural materials to pharmaceutical relevance, real crystal imperfections, crystallization techniques and AI in structure determination. The session highlights crystallography’s transformative impact on modern scientific research.
For any queries, please contact: scuoleaic@gmail.com.