Abstract

The evening will consist of a 45 min talk by Jason Cole, Deputy Executive Director, on the work of the CCDC , followed by a tour of the Centre, demonstration of software and refreshments.

The Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre is a non-profit, charitable Institution whose objectives are the general advancement and promotion of the science of chemistry and crystallography for the public benefit. The CCDC was originally established in the University of Cambridge Chemical Laboratory in 1965. Its principal remit is to compile and distribute a computerised database (the Cambridge Structural Database, CSD ) containing data for organic and metal-organic compounds studied by X-ray and neutron diffraction. The CSD is comprehensive for all results published in the open literature since the inception of the technique in the early 1900s. The CCDC serves the scientific community through the acquisition, evaluation, dissemination and use of the world’s output of small molecule crystal structures by:

• Compiling the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) – the world repository of small-molecule crystal structures
• Developing scientific products and services – structural knowledge bases and applications software for the life sciences and crystallography
• Maximising worldwide accessibility to the CSD for scientists in academia and industry
• Performing and supporting fundamental research using CSD information and CCDC products
• Promoting and supporting applications of crystal structure information in academia and industry.

The building, which is next door to the University Chemistry Department, was designed by international architect Professor Erik Sorensen. Completed in 1992, the building won the Sunday Times/Royal Fine Arts Society Building of the Year Award in 1993.

Free and open to non-members. Registration required – contact John O’Toole (details below).

Event organised by SCI ’s Cambridge and Great Eastern Group & the RSC Mid-Anglia Section.

Meet at the CCDC just before 19:00