Advancing the Design of Crystals

This event is the fourth GRC dedicated to crystal engineering following on from highly successful meetings in 2010, 2012 and 2014, each of which was attended by ~150 participants from around the world. This GRC will be accompanied by a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) titled "Functional Cocrystals". The Gordon Research Seminar on Crystal Engineering is an excellent opportunity for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and other scientists with similar levels of experience to gather and learn from each other and experts in the field. The GRC and the GRS will together provide a unique opportunity for participants to discuss the very latest trends and findings within this exciting and rapidly evolving area of science.

The vital role that a variety of crystalline materials play in a broad range of technologies is far from new. However, more recently the ability to control crystallization using principles of crystal engineering is rapidly evolving to the point where properties might be realized through design rather than serendipity. Nonetheless the rational design of crystalline solids is the exception rather than the rule with progress hindered by a limited toolbox containing interactions of rather limited reliability. As the boundaries of application are expanding, the deficiencies in our own understanding appear more severe. Progress in this area will take place at the intersection of organic, inorganic, materials, and physical chemistry and requires a unique interface of experimental and theoretical tools provided by academia and industry alike. The purpose of these two meetings is to bring together a wide range of experts with diverse backgrounds and will consist of the session topics noted below.