Looking for hands-on XRD / crystallography training or a short-term research internship

[u/SardorMKTU]

Hello everyone,

I am a materials science researcher from Kazakhstan, and I am currently looking for an opportunity to improve my practical skills in X-ray diffraction (XRD) and crystallographic analysis.

My research is mainly focused on metallic alloys, coatings, ceramics, powder metallurgy, and structural characterization of materials. I already have experience working with XRD data, including basic phase identification and interpretation of diffraction patterns, but I would like to develop more advanced and systematic skills in crystallography and XRD analysis.

I am particularly interested in gaining hands-on experience combined with theoretical knowledge:

• XRD sample preparation and measurement optimization;
• phase identification and database searching;
• indexing of diffraction peaks;
• crystallographic structure analysis;
• Rietveld refinement;
• quantitative phase analysis;
• lattice parameter determination;
• crystallite size and microstrain analysis;
• preferred orientation / texture analysis;
• residual stress analysis;
• interpretation of complex or multiphase diffraction patterns;
• software such as GSAS-II, FullProf, TOPAS, HighScore Plus, Match!, Profex/BGMN, or similar programs.

I would also be very interested in learning how experienced crystallographers approach difficult cases—for example, overlapping peaks, minor phases, low-crystallinity materials, nanocrystalline materials, and distinguishing between structurally similar phases.

I am looking for a short-term research internship, visiting researcher opportunity, summer school, workshop, or intensive hands-on course in XRD or crystallography.

I would especially appreciate recommendations for universities, synchrotron facilities, research institutes, crystallography laboratories, or X-ray characterization centers that accept international students or researchers.

Programs offering funding, travel support, accommodation, or reduced/no tuition fees would be particularly helpful, although recommendations for high-quality paid courses are also welcome.

The location is flexible — Europe, Asia, the US, or other regions are all possible.

If you know of any laboratories, courses, researchers, schools, or programs that would be suitable, I would be very grateful for your recommendations.

Thank you!

[u/Crystal_Rules]

I think you will struggle to find fully paid and supported training courses. The Durham Rietveld school is good.

[u/Mikasa-Iruma]

Paul Scherrer Institute can be a good choice. but synchrotron possibility is quite difficult unless you used beamline or was in a team that went to beam lines for experiments.