Changing and challenging times for service crystallography

TLDR

Crystallography is no longer confined to specialists, affecting how crystallographic service facilities operate. This mini‑review outlines the challenges of running a modern crystallographic facility from the UK National Crystallography Service’s perspective. It surveys the demands of complex chemical research, the required state‑of‑the‑art tools, hardware, expertise, current single‑crystal diffraction trends, and best‑practice roles for service crystallographers. The review shows that advanced tools and expertise are essential to meet challenging research, and it defines the service crystallographer’s remit and best‑practice examples.

Abstract

Crystallography is no longer solely the preserve of the specialist, a situation that has implications for the operation of crystallographic service facilities. This mini-review provides an overview of the challenges in operating a crystallographic facility from the perspective and experience of the UK National Crystallography Service – a modern mid-range facility. Examples of chemical research generating the greatest challenges for the modern crystallography service and the state-of-the-art tools, hardware, facilities and expertise that are required to address them are highlighted. An overview of current research trends in single crystal diffraction research, which will ensure the future development of the technique, is presented. The remit of the service crystallographer is examined, together with proposed examples of best practice.