Crystallography is an indispensable tool to study the chemical structures of molecules through diffraction of x-rays, neutron and electron. The first report of crystallography was in 1912 when two physicists, W.H. Bragg and W.L. Bragg, developed the famous Bragg’s equation. Ever since, crystallography has been extensively used to study molecules in their molecular or even atomic levels. Since then, this method is the core of structural science, showing us the very details of DNA, how proteins are created in cells and assisting scientists in designing new and powerful drugs. Twenty Seven scientists in different areas were awarded Nobel prizes in crystallography, reflecting its potential role in science. India has also contributed significantly in the area of biological, chemical, physical and materials crystallography. Prof. G.N. Ramachandran’s contribution to crystallography is world-acclaimed. 2013 is also the 50th year of the famous Ramanchandran Plot.

 

To celebrate this important discovery and the information that Braggs have provided us about the core structure of molecules,Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment is organizing a “National colloquium on 100 years of Crystallography”, covering biological, chemical and physical crystallography. Reputed chemists, biologists and physicists all over India are invited to participate. The inaugural opening G.N. Ramachandran commemoration lecture will be delivered by Prof. Ada Yonath, Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel on 7-February 2013. Prof. Ada Yonath received the Nobel prize in 2009 for her pioneering work in the structure and function of ribosome. About 100 participants representing senior scientists, young scientists, research scholars and selected P.G. Students are invited for the event.