Remote Access Crystallography at SSRL

Training Summary

Complete protein crystallography experiments are carried out routinely at SSRL from remote locations around the world, using secure protocols. All the macromolecular beamlines are equipped with advanced internet-based software tools, robotic sample mounters, video observation and other highly automated equipment. In this workshop attendees will learn about the beamline and software developments and how to successfully complete all stages of a remote access experiment. The workshop is intended to be highly practical with topics covered including:

• sample preparation for use with the Stanford automated mounting system,
• setting up a home computer to access the Blu-Ice beam line control system,
• sample transport,
• automated sample screening and Web-Ice image analysis,
• energy selection for MAD or optimized SAD experiments,
• data collection strategy, setup, and monitoring,
• remote data processing
• data backup.

Schedule:  The workshop will start with lectures and a live demonstration of remote access data collection. In the afternoon there will be two hands-on training sessions:

1. attendees will use the SSRL sample loading and shipping tools to transfer flash-cooled protein crystals into SSRL sample storage cassettes compatible with the Stanford automated sample mounter,
2. using their own laptop computer, attendees will install the NX client software, connect to the Blu-ice beam line control system, screen crystals, plan then collect diffraction data. 

A complete users guide to data collection at SSRL with specifics to remote data collection is available at http://smb.slac.stanford.edu/public/users_guide/manual/. Publications describing some of the developments, the automated software and equipment used are available at http://smb.slac.stanford.edu/public/research/staff_publications/.

Registration:  Attendance is open to all researchers interested in conducting remote access experiments at SSRL.  Click here to access the online registration form. Space is limited in the afternoon hands-on sessions so please register as soon as possible. There will be a $70 registration fee which will include breakfast, lunch and breaks during the workshop.    For more information please send an email to ssrl_automation@hwi.buffalo.edu or a fax to the attention of Dr. Edward Snell at (716) 898-8600.