A 7-minute read

Each year, DECTRIS is proud to support early-career scientists in crystallography through the Andreas Förster Travel Grant — a program dedicated to empowering the next generation of researchers while honoring our late colleague, Andreas Förster.

Andreas was a passionate advocate for young scientists. This grant celebrates not only scientific excellence but also the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and curiosity he championed throughout his career.

In 2025, we received a remarkable range of applications — a clear reflection of the vibrancy and ambition in today’s crystallography community. After careful review, we’re excited to introduce this year’s three outstanding grant recipients, each of whom will be attending an international crystallography event that aligns with their research goals.

The 2025 Andreas Förster Travel Grant Recipients

Leticia León Luna

Ph.D. student, Instituto de Biotecnologia, UNAM
Conference: CCP4/APS School in Macromolecular Crystallography: From data collection to structure refinement and beyond, Argonne National Laboratory in Chicago, USA (23 - 30 June, 2025.

“The Andreas Förster Travel Grant will allow me to attend the CCP4/APS School—an opportunity I couldn’t have afforded on my own. I’m looking forward to enhancing my skills in structure solution and refinement, and learning directly from the developers of essential crystallographic software. I also hope to connect with peers and experts worldwide to exchange ideas and build future collaborations.”

Dinesh Kulhary

PhD, Career Point University, Kota, India
Conference: 61st course on Quantum Crystallography/ International school of Crystallography/ Erice, Italy (30 May 2025 - 7 June 2025)

“This school brings together leading experts and like-minded researchers, providing a unique platform for intellectual exchange, collaboration, and mentorship, which I have been looking for the most. I hope to gain a comprehensive understanding of state-of-the-art techniques in quantum crystallography. The financial support I’ve received from DECTRIS enables me to access this high-level training and exposure that might otherwise be beyond my reach. It will help me grow as a scientist by enhancing my technical skills. Thank you, DECTRIS, for making this opportunity possible.”

João Alves de Oliveira Neto

Occupation: Ph.D. student in Physics at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
Conference: 61st course on Quantum Crystallography/ International school of Crystallography/ Erice, Italy (30 May 2025 - 7 June 2025)

“Being part of this conference is a chance for me to interact with renowned researchers and learn directly from their experiences. I’m grateful to DECTRIS for playing such an important role in my scientific development.”

Why the Grant Matters

Scientific breakthroughs don’t happen in isolation. Conferences and schools offer young researchers the chance to exchange ideas, explore new methods, and build the networks that drive discovery forward.
That’s why the Andreas Förster Travel Grant is more than just financial support — it’s a statement of belief in the future of crystallography and the people shaping it.

“With this grant, we honor Andreas’ memory in the most meaningful way: by opening doors for brilliant young scientists who are ready to contribute to the next chapter of structural science,” says Clemens Schulzte-Briese, Member of Board of Directors.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to follow our 2025 recipients as they participate in their events and look forward to seeing their impact on the scientific community.

📌 Want to learn more about the Andreas Förster Travel Grant?
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