Scientific Programme

Micro Symposia:

MS1 - Tailoring noncovalent interactions to design organic crystals

Chairs: P. Metrangolo (Polytechnic University of Milan); P. Paoli (University of Florence)

Understanding and controlling noncovalent interactions, which guide the supramolecular arrangement in crystals, is a crucial step for the bottom-up design and synthesis of materials featuring the desired properties/functions. This micro symposium welcomes contributions to using hydrogen, halogen, and chalcogen bonds, van der Waals, pi-stacking, and other supramolecular interactions in crystal engineering. The aim is to provide a forum for researchers working across different molecular-based crystalline solids such as pharmaceuticals, organic semiconductors, agrochemicals, organic pigments, organic frameworks, etc. Contributions are welcome that cover fundamental to applied research, experimental and in-silico approaches, and structure-property/function rationale.

Keynote lectures:

Prof. Alessia Bacchi (University of Parma) - "Tweaking interactions to achieve release performances in co-crystals"

Prof. C. Malla Reddy (IISER Kolkata, India) - "Crystal engineering of adaptive smart materials"

MS2 - Combined structural methodologies to address complex biological systems

Chairs: M. Milani (IBF-CNR, Milan); L. Cendron (University of Padua) 

In the last ten years, Structural biology has extended its tools to extremely powerful methodologies that allow integrated approaches to address important questions about cellular complexes involved in key processes and their aberrations linked to transcription, translation, transport, modification, catalysis, protein synthesis, and degradation. This micro symposium is focused on recent examples that highlight important achievements obtained by applying structural, biophysical, and computational techniques.

Keynote lectures:

Dr. Matteo De Rosa (Institute of Biophysics-CNR) - "Structural bases of gelsolin-related diseases"

Dr. Alessandra Magistrato (CNR-IOM) - "Unraveling the molecular mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing via all-atom simulations"

MS3 - Growth of crystalline functional materials and thin films

Chairs: A. Sassella (University of Milano-Bicocca); S. Rubini (CNR-IOM)

State-of-the-art technology relies on functional materials designed, grown and studied for different applications, and often integrated in devices as thin solid films. In this respect, studying and controlling the growth process, the role of interfaces and epitaxy in thin films and heterostructures, and the relationship between the growth and the properties is the goal of many research efforts. This Micro Symposium intends to collect contributions from scientists working on the growth of functional bulk crystalline materials, thin films and nanostructures, on their characterization, and on the modelization of their properties. Materials of interest span from inorganics to organics to 2D materials in thin films or integrated into more complex structures. 

Keynote lectures:

Dr. Cristiano Albonetti (CNR-ISMN) - "Identification of ultra-thin molecular layers atop monolayer terraces in sub-monolayer organic films with scanning probe microscopy"

Dr. Pasquale Orgiani (CNR IOM) - "Crafting the structure of materials for tailoring their quantum properties: the case of anatase TiO2 thin films"

MS4 - Structural approaches to disclosing molecular recognition and targeting

Chairs: A.  Ilari (Institute of molecular biology and pathology-CNR); F. Sica (University of Naples Federico II)

Progress in modern-day biology requires an understanding the mode of interaction between partners of different natures. Elucidating fundamental mechanisms of molecular recognition sheds light on the basic principles responsible for cellular function and opens new opportunities to use this knowledge for various biotechnological and biomedical applications. Traditionally, X-ray crystallography, with its ability to give detailed structural information, has proven to be an invaluable tool for investigating this phenomenon. Complementary methodologies have enabled a deeper understanding of the binding between different interactors and the analysis of the dynamic aspects. The micro symposium aims to provide a collection of interesting recent results using single/multiple structural approache/s.

Keynote lectures: 

Prof. Francesco Angelucci (Università degli Studi dell'Aquila) - "Selective inhibition of thioredoxin reductases by circumventing selenocysteine"

Dr. Giuseppina De Simone (CNR-IBB) - "Carbonic Anhydrase IX as target for the design of novel anticancer drugs: an integrated biochemical, structural, and computational approach"

MS5 - Challenging 3D structure: equipment, methodologies, and computing

Chairs: D. Siliqi (institute of Crystallography-CNR); A. Rosato (University of Florence)

The Micro Symposium aims to demonstrate how to cope with difficult 3D structures, from molecules to novel materials, by developing creative experimental and computational methodologies. We welcome contributions focusing on structural methods such as cryo-EM, NMR, and crystallography (x-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction). In modern practice, statistical tools are essential for all of these techniques. Applications ranging from the 3D structure of molecules (from small molecules to biopolymers) to the validation of structural results have been impacted by the availability of huge data- and knowledge bases. Machine learning and artificial intelligence tools are one field that has made significant progress recently.

Keynote lectures: 

Dr. Corrado Cuocci (IC-CNR) - "Challenging structure solution of microcrystalline materials by the direct space approach in action using the EXPO software”

Prof. Enrico Ravera (University of Florence) - "Integration in Structural Biology”

MS6 - Understanding materials properties through in situ non-ambient and in operando studies

Chairs: P. Lotti (University of Milan); M. Milanesio (University of Eastern Piedmont)

The instrumentation and computing improvements of the last decade significantly fostered our capabilities to perform crystallographic analyses at non-ambient and operando conditions. In situ experiments at non-ambient conditions allow to track the structural changes that control the physical properties of crystalline compounds, and in operando experiments allow us to follow reactions and transformations from a structural viewpoint at real-world conditions. For both, computational modelling provides a complementary approach. The goal of this microsymposium is to highlight how non-ambient crystallography can shed light and open new avenues in a wide range of disciplines, spanning from Earth sciences to chemistry and to biopharmaceutical fields

Keynote lectures: 

Prof. Heinz Amenitsch (Graz University of Technology) – “Operando Small Angle X-ray Scattering as a tool in energy research”

Dr. Georgia Cametti (University of Bern) - "Tracking in situ the structural transformations occurring in zeolite as a function of temperature"

MS7 - Giovani Cristallografi Italiani MicroSymposium

Chairs: R. Vismara (University of Granada); G. Pierri (University of Salerno)

We are happy to announce the first symposium dedicated to young crystallographers! The spirit of the GCI symposium is to provide a welcoming environment for young scientists to present and discuss their research and establish future collaborations and networks. All main topics of crystallography will be covered. The symposium will include oral communications and flash presentations to promote your poster!

MS8 - Mineralogy: recent developments and applications

Chairs: P. Ballirano (Sapienza University of Rome ); P. Comodi (University of Perugia)

This micro-symposium aims to show the current state-of-the-art investigation of several aspects of crystal structure, chemistry, and reactivity of minerals, glasses, melts, and fluids of interest in the Earth Sciences and their synthetic counterparts. Moreover, the link of such aspects with physical-chemical properties and, in turn, the geological and technological applications should be stressed. We encourage the submission of contributions reporting experimental and/or theoretical investigations covering different aspects of mineralogy, particularly emphasizing the green revolution ecological transition and the interaction between minerals and biosphere.

Keynote lectures:

Prof.ssa R. Arletti (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) - "Secondary and alternative raw materials for ceramic tile production: a mineralogical point of view" 

Dott. F. Bardelli (CNR-Nanotec) - "Combining X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy to study Asbestos Bodies in human lung tissues"

MS9 - Structural aspects of metal-based systems for the sustainable development

Chairs: V. Colombo (University of Milan); L. Marchiò (University of Parma)

This micro symposium will focus on structural aspects of metal based-systems relevant to improving the efficient use of resources. The systems of interest will comprise mono-, poly-nuclear entities and extended frameworks. Discussion topics will be related to materials and compounds for energy storage and conversion, catalysis, recycling of materials, and any other issue relevant to sustainable development.

Keynote lectures: