Past Schools

“I’ve learned a great deal of fundamentals in understanding structural biology techniques. I now appreciate the importance of crystal structures and the theory behind crystallization. I’ve gained hands-on knowledge in refining models using Cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography, and I’ve come to understand concepts like twinning, electron density interpretation, and how to improve atomic models. I also learned how to differentiate atoms not supported by electron density and gained practical experience in protein and ligand fitting — all of which are essential for accurate structure determination and analysis”

“Before studying macromolecular crystallography, I had a general basic idea that it involved using X-rays to determine the structure of biological molecules. However, I learned many deeper and more specific aspects that I hadn’t known before. For example, I didn’t realize how crucial crystal growth is to the entire process. Proteins must be crystallized in just the right conditions—pH, temperature, salt concentration.”

“Initially, I had no knowledge about cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM). However, through this learning experience, I’ve developed a foundational understanding of its principles and workflows. I’ve learned how Cryo-EM differs from X-ray crystallography, especially in sample preparation, data collection, and structure determination. I’m now able to interpret Cryo-EM maps, assess resolution, and perform model fitting using tools like Coot and Moorhen, particularly for ligand fitting. This progress has given me the confidence to distinguish between Cryo-EM and X-ray crystallography in both theory and practical application. I also recognize that there is still much more to learn, and I look forward to deepening my knowledge on these techniques.”

“Before studying cryo-electron microscopy, I had a basic understanding used to visualize biological molecules at high resolution. However, through the course, I discovered several key aspects that were completely new to me and deepened my appreciation for the technique.”

“In X-ray crystallography, I’ve begun to understand the basic concepts such as symmetry, rotational, and the overall importance of phasing in structure determination. While I still find some aspects especially phasing and symmetry a bit challenging,. I believe more guided examples or case studies would be helpful and also examples involving protein-ligand complexs  would be helpful to strengthen my understanding and improve practical application in this area.”

“The course was informative and offered a solid foundation in macromolecular crystallography Including a few case studies where crystallography played a key role in solving a biological or medical question would help students understand the real-world applications and impact of the technique.”

“The course has been truly satisfied and enriched the expectations. The team members were patient, supportive, and dedicated in guiding me throughout the sessions, and I sincerely appreciate their efforts. I would also like to thank Dr. Leela and Dr. Ruslan for organizing and leading this course  their commitment made this learning experience possible. One suggestion for improvement would be to enhance the tutorials by providing clearer explanations and placing more emphasis on the use of indicators during model building,molecular replacements and structure refinement. I also understand that each structure presents unique challenges, so including a wider range of case examples would be helpful to reflect the diversity in structure-solving approaches.”

“The remote control from DLS is very good, easy to use, and no delay. Moreover, accessing the data from DLS website is very very very convenience.”

“The control of the remote robot looks complicated and intimidating at the beginning. But Dave was very helpful and showed things around. Once understood the GUI control, it is clear that the beamline control is really flexible and powerful. Thanks Dave and all the speakers and organizers. You are wonderful!”

“I am very much impressed with the care taken by organisers. They made me feel home. They were very careful about my specific food requirements and also provided medical assistance when required. The channel was easy to communicate needs.”

“I am very satisfied with the hospitality of the organisers. They are very good. Well organised. Well managed.”

“My understanding on fundamental knowledge has improved substantially after the workshop and I learned a variety of new features on programmes that I did not know before- such as how to collect good data set from Synchrotron.”

“It was my first time in solving structure. I had very less knowledge and confidence on how to handle the softwares. Now I will be able to navigate the project myself and also know where to look for solution.”

“The topics covered various of methods and softwares which used for structure determination. Explore various of ways to achieve the targets was great as it could make a comparison to produce the best results. Definitely, it improve my knowledge as a beginner in structure solution.”

“The topics covered various of methods and softwares which used for structure determination. Explore various of ways to achieve the targets was great as it could make a comparison to produce the best results. Definitely, it improve my knowledge as a beginner in structure solution.

“I am very new to protein data processing and these softwares. This workshop helped me to understand a lot of things regarding data processing.”

“Excellent. I need to specially mention the computational facility provided during workshop. Very very good. The workshop would have been difficult without the good computational facility.”

“I am very happy and satisfied in attending SEA COAST 2024 workshop.”

“I would like to thank the SEA COAST organiser for their hospitality and dedicated effort that has been put into this workshop. Please keep the workshop going for the coming years. This workshop will help to grow a community of structural biologists in Thailand and South East Asia.”

“Thank you for making this course happened and let me take this course. This course helped me understand a lot more about crystallography and many things about them, like crystallography knowledge and how to use many programs that I don’t even know they have this program. Thank you for teaching me about crystallography if I have one more chance I will definitely come again Thank you so much.”

“It would be great if you could do this kind of workshop every year.”

“I like everything here every professor everyone really want to teach me, they even try to explain to me in the simplest way and more understandable way to me, I really appreciated.”

“The covered topics are very extensive. I learned a lot more than I expected.”

“The topic covered all important information on crystallography and included the data collection and other technique for structural biology.”

“The workshop is rich in topics relevant to everyone including newbie as well as practicing crystallography student. I loved the way the course progress from basics to model preparation and submission.”

“Every lecturer always gives help to me all the time (l literally appreciate).”

“The expert panel was very enthusiastic and approachable towards all the questions. They handled all the questions very well and provided best possible assistance. They encouraged everyone to ask questions no matter how basic they were.”

“All lecturers are very helpful and respond to request for help very quickly.”

“All experts were very much involved in problem solving. We had complete guidance from beginning to end of the session.”

“The hands-in problem solving session was the most valuable session. It was very beneficial. I think allocating the speakers from the beginning of the workshop into some kind of groups according to their expertise and the problem they want to solve was gonna be more helpful. But, it was excellently executed.”

“It crossed my expectations from every possible way!! I will strongly recommend this workshop in my structural biology department. Thanks for possibility of being part of this workshop!!”

“If helped me to gain immense knowledge in terms of crystallography basics, practical tips as well as upgradation to current available software to process the data and model building.”

“I learned tremendously, I enjoyed it a lot, also because the people (tutors, organiser and staff) were really nice and helpful. Consider to do the workshop again (if possible).”

“I would like to recommend this workshop to colleagues. Great chance to learn and practice crystallographic programs and meet experts.”

“I got a great deal of help in the workshop, starting from almost no hope with the data to solving the structure. But few lectures were too fast and too long with too much text in it to understand. But it was a worthwhile experience and I have definitely learned a lot.”

“The workshop was a really important experience in my life. I’ve met a lot of interesting people, learned a lot about crystallography (both experimental and computational part) and I am even more interested in learning now! What I’ve seen there helped me to find and understand my place in crystallography – now I see how much I know and how much I have to learn so I can’t wait to grow my own crystals and collect my very first data. I will discuss all what I learned with my supervisors and colleagues. Moreover, I really appreciate organization of the workshop and logical chronology of discussed topics. The computational part was also very well conducted and helped me to understand how the software works and how to use it. I hope I could go back with my own data and process it like it was done this year. I would only add a few topics about cryo-EM or x-FEL or similar techniques and make a summary on the very last day of workshop. I will definitely recommend this workshop to other students.”

“I am very satisfied to join this workshop, even though I only attended for the first week workshop session. Of course, I have got many advises from tutors about my current work (particularly from Terese Bergfors about my crystallization condition) and network for potential research collaboration in the future. I hope there is another SEA COAST and I can be able to attend the workshop in the future. Thank you so much Leela and Nukri.”

“Very Helpful Organizers and Excellent Problem Solving sessions.”

“The course was very useful. Learned fundamentals which are not taught in regular school courses.”

“I learned the importance of data collection and data processing.”

“This workshop is a great opportunity for people working in the field of crystallography. Enhances our knowledge of fundamentals of the technique of crystallography.”