Twenty-Seventh Congress and General Assembly of the International Union of Crystallography
About IUCr2026
On behalf of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr), it is with immense excitement and joy that we cordially extend our warmest invitation to you to join the IUCr for the Twenty-Seventh Congress and General Assembly, set to be held in the magnificent city of Calgary, located in the heart of Alberta, Canada from August 11th-18th, 2026.
Calgary, a city renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and warm hospitality, has been chosen as the host for this remarkable occasion. Nestled amidst stunning landscapes and boasting a rich cultural heritage, this vibrant metropolis promises to provide an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
Secure your spot today to take advantage of early-bird rates, connect with the global crystallography community, and experience an unforgettable Congress in beautiful Calgary, Alberta.
Special discounted rates are available at hotels near the BMO Centre. Booking through the official Congress block guarantees convenience, savings, and supports the event. Rooms are limited—book early!
Planning a meeting during IUCr2026? Committees, Commissions, groups, and partners may request meeting space by completing the online form.
Celebrating the 2026 IUCr Prize Laureates
The International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2026 prizes, recognizing outstanding scientific achievements and transformative contributions across the field of crystallography. These prestigious awards honor individuals whose work has advanced structural science, deepened our understanding of matter, and enabled innovation across chemistry, biology, physics, and materials science.
Together, these awardees reflect the strength, diversity, and global reach of the crystallographic community. Their pioneering work exemplifies excellence in research, collaboration, and scientific leadership.
We are delighted that the 2026 IUCr Prize Laureates will be recognized during the IUCr 2026 Congress in Calgary, where the community will come together to celebrate their achievements and the continued evolution of crystallography.
For pioneering the subject of crystal engineering and the supramolecular synthon concept, and for establishing the structural significance of weak hydrogen bonding and halogen bonding in molecular crystals and biology.
For outstanding contributions to small-molecule crystallography, including the elucidation of historically and pharmaceutically significant structures and pioneering structural studies of porous framework materials.
For pioneering contributions to crystal engineering and lattice dynamics, advancing the understanding and control of structure-property-dynamics relationships in functional molecular crystals.
Awarded every three years and recognizes an outstanding contribution to the field of electron crystallography.
Calgary is Calling
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, Calgary offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, urban sophistication, and western charm. As the host city for IUCr2026, Calgary is proud to welcome the global crystallographic community for a week of discovery, collaboration, and connection.
From its vibrant downtown and award-winning culinary scene to expansive parks, cutting-edge research institutions, and a rich Indigenous heritage, Calgary is a city that inspires innovation while embracing its roots.
As you explore the Congress venue and surrounding neighborhoods, you’ll find everything you need within reach—state-of-the-art facilities, diverse accommodations, excellent transit, and endless opportunities for adventure.
Travel to Calgary with Ease — and Save with WestJet
We’re delighted to share that WestJet, Canada’s flagship airline based right in Calgary, is offering exclusive discounts for IUCr 2026 attendees. With convenient flight options from major cities across North America, Europe, and Asia, getting to Calgary couldn’t be easier. Calgary International Airport (YYC) is a modern, well-connected hub just minutes from downtown and the BMO Centre, making travel smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, WestJet’s discounted fares make it even more affordable to join us in the heart of the Canadian Rockies for the 27th IUCr Congress and General Assembly.
Open Problems Session
The Open Problem Session at the IUCr 2026 Congress is designed to bring the community together around some of the most compelling and unresolved challenges in crystallography and structural science. Selected problems will be showcased to a global audience, providing a unique platform to spark discussion, inspire creative solutions, and encourage new collaborations across disciplines. By highlighting these open questions, the session aims to drive innovative thinking and help shape the future direction of crystallographic research.
Because Science and Family Both Matter
IUCr 2026 is committed to being a welcoming, inclusive Congress for researchers and families alike. To help ensure that caregiving responsibilities are never a barrier to participation, on-site childcare will be available during the meeting. Learn more about our daycare services, eligibility, and registration on the Daycare & Family Support page.
Microsymposia at the Heart of the Program
The heart of the scientific program at IUCr2026 will be the microsymposia—specialized sessions that bring together experts, early-career researchers, and students to share their latest work, exchange ideas, and explore emerging directions in crystallography and related fields. Each microsymposium is organized by international co-chairs and aligned with IUCr Commissions, ensuring both breadth and depth across disciplines. With dozens of sessions covering fundamental methods, applied research, and interdisciplinary topics, the microsymposia form the foundation of the Congress, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge science and connect with colleagues from around the world.
Gender Equity & Diversity
The IUCr is committed to achieving gender equity and diversity (that mirrors our crystallography community) in all its endeavours and activities. A key aspect of the IUCr mission is to ensure our community fosters inclusion, ensures mutual respect, and embraces diversity. To help achieve its diversity goals, the IUCr has developed a code of conduct which applies to all its endorsed or funded activities.
About the IUCr
The International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) is a scientific union adhering to the International Science Council (ISC). Its mission is to promote international cooperation in crystallography and contribute to all aspects of the science, from fundamental research to applications. The IUCr fosters the international publication of crystallographic research, facilitates the standardization of methods, units, nomenclature, and symbols, and provides a central focus for crystallography’s connections with other scientific disciplines. The IUCr Congress and General Assembly is held every three years in different parts of the world.
In addition, the IUCr proudly publishes a suite of world-renowned journals that serve as a cornerstone for the structural science community. These journals provide a trusted platform for disseminating breakthrough discoveries, advancing methods and technologies, and highlighting applications that reach across chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science. With a commitment to rigorous peer review, accessibility, and global collaboration, IUCr journals remain an indispensable resource for researchers worldwide—we encourage all scientists to engage with them, both as readers and contributors, to help shape the future of crystallography and related fields.
Diamond Sponsors
Our Diamond Sponsors are valued partners whose generous support helps make this meeting possible. Their commitment to innovation and the structural science community strengthens both the program and the experience for all attendees.
Sapphire Sponsors
We are grateful to our Sapphire Sponsors for their valued contributions to the structural science community. Their support fosters collaboration, learning, and discovery throughout the meeting.
Exhibition & Industry Showcase
Make the exhibit hall part of your Congress experience—connect with our partners, see what’s new, and discover tools that can support your research today and in the future.
Acknowledgment of Country: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
We respectfully acknowledge that we are gathered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples who have cared for these lands since time immemorial. This includes the First Nations of the Blackfoot Confederacy, the Tsuut’ina Nation, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, and the Métis Nation of Alberta, as well as all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who continue to make their homes throughout Alberta and across Canada today.
We honor their histories, languages, traditions, and cultures, and we recognize the deep spiritual and enduring connection they maintain with the land, waters, and community. We also acknowledge the ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples in Alberta and beyond, and affirm our commitment to learning from the past, fostering reconciliation, and building respectful relationships for the future.
Our Host City Partners
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of Tourism Calgary and the BMO Centre, whose partnership has been instrumental in welcoming our community to Calgary. Their collaboration and local expertise have helped make this Congress possible and set the stage for a successful and engaging meeting.
Location
The BMO Centre, Stampede Park
1912 Flores Ladue Parade Southeast
Calgary, AB
Canada, T2G 2T2
Dates
Registration period:
October 15, 2025 - 9:00 AM MDT - August 14, 2026 - 11:59 PM MDT
Contact us
If you have any questions, please contact info@iucr2026.org