Support for new protein crystallography users at the European XFEL

Calls for proposals at X-ray free-electron lasers is highly competitive, and obtaining beamtime requires demonstrating knowledge of the specialised techniques required for these experiments. The Sample Environment and Characterisation Group at the EuXFEL aims to reduce this barrier to entry into XFEL experiments by providing new users with relevant experience and skills prior to submitting a full beamtime proposal. One measure is protein crystal screening beamtime at the SPB/SFX instrument. This is a short beamtime aimed at testing crystal suitability for SFX, and for new users to gain experience at sample preparation with heavy support. Another way of aiding new user groups in acquiring beamtime is an internship programme which brings PhD students and postdocs to the EuXFEL for periods of 4–8 weeks, where they work on a project suitable for a potential beamtime application, and gain relevant skills.