2026 CLS MX Data Collection School | 13th Edition

Program structure

1. Part I - Virtual Theory Lectures (for all participants)

The program opens with online lectures from May 19-22, with no lectures on May 21 for the CLS User Meeting. These sessions introduce participants to CLS and CMCF, as well as the core concepts and tools for the rest of the course. The goal is to provide a strong foundation so attendees can make the most of the hands-on components later. The lectures will cover:

• CMCF Beamline Orientation for Remote Access

• Introduction to X-ray Crystallography

• Sample Preparation for Synchrotron MX

• Data Collection Strategies

• Principles of MX Data Processing

Participants are encouraged to engage with the CLS community by attending and presenting a poster virtually at the CLS User Meeting on May 21. This is an opportunity to showcase their work.

2. Part II - In-Person Hands‑on Data Collection Week at CLS (limited cohort)

From June 1-5, a limited group of participants will travel to CLS for an intensive, hands-on data-collection week. Each participant will be assigned beamtime on a CMCF beamline and will:

• Operate the beamline under supervision

• Collect diffraction data using either their own samples or standard crystals

• Work through the data collection strategy with guidance from mentors

Because beamtime is limited, the in-person component is restricted to at most 32 participants on a first-come first-serve basis. The registration fee of $350 includes boxed lunches Monday to Thursday, breakfast Tuesday to Friday, and dinner on Thursday. Participants are expected to arrange their own travel and accommodation. Suggestions are provided in the Accommodation section of this site. Participants may also apply for travel support through the CLS Student Travel Program or the Larry Calvert Travel Award.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own samples for data collection at CMCF, making the experience directly relevant to their research questions. An optional informal lunch-and-learn session may be offered during the on-site week, providing opportunities for flash talks, discussion, and networking among participants and instructors.

Key details (TL;DR)

• Dates (overall): May 19 - June 5

• Format: Hybrid (online + in‑person at CLS)

• Part I - Online Lectures (for all):

  • May 19-22

  • May 21 - CLS Annual User Meeting - Participants encouraged to present a virtual poster

  • Content: Orientation to CLS and CMCF, Introduction to Crystallography, Data Collection Strategies and Data Processing Theory

• Part II - Hands‑on Data Collection at CLS (Max 32 Participants):

  • June 1-5

  • $350 Registration Fee, on‑site event at CLS

  • Content: Beamline operation and diffraction data collection on own or standard samples

  • Optional informal lunch‑and‑learn for flash talks and networking

  • Own samples strongly encouraged for data collection
    

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