From 16 -22 June 2025 DESY hosted Alexandros Armenis – a young researcher affiliated with the Chemistry Department, University of Patras doing his PhD under supervision of Professor Theocharis Stamatatos – for a research internship in the frame of the Early-Stage Researcher (ESR) programme of the NEPHEWS project (Neutrons and Photons Elevating Worldwide Science).
During his stay at DESY, Alexandros participated in a beamtime at PETRA III beamline P24 dedicated to Chemical Crystallography. During the experiment of Dr. Alexander Virovets and Dr. Eugenia Peresypkina, Alexandros was given the opportunity to also measure a set of several molecular coordination compounds of different elements and nuclearities he had synthesized in his home lab.
“This was my first direct experience with single crystal X-ray crystallography at a synchrotron facility giving me access to world-class instrumentation and the kind of beam intensity and resolution that far exceeds what is possible with laboratory sources — allowing me to solve and refine complex molecular structures with outstanding precision. Seeing the diffraction spots emerge so clearly on the monitor, and knowing that they contain all the information needed to solve the 3D structure of a molecule, was incredibly exciting.”
The host users were experienced scientists and guided Alexandros through each step of the experiment: from selecting suitable crystals to mounting them on the diffractometer, centering them precisely, and interpreting the initial diffraction images. They also introduced him to the manipulation and refinement of crystallographic data using specialized software for processing the raw data into final structures.
Beamline Manager Dr. Martin Tolkiehn gave in depth explanations on how the synchrotron radiation system works during a detailed tour of the facility — showing the different beamlines and the wide range of experimental techniques they support.
“His insights into the versatility and precision of synchrotron-based research helped me appreciate the broader context of my work”.
Beamline Scientist Dr. Leila Noohinejad guided Alexandros through all the necessary steps to perform an experiment at the P24 beamline.
“Her support was essential throughout the beamtime — from the technical setup to data collection — and she also spent time teaching me how to work effectively with crystallographic programs. Her mentorship made a significant difference in my learning curve.”
In addition to his work at PETRA III, Alexandros also visited DESY’s Free-electron Laser FLASH for a short, guided tour. During a visit in the User Office he was briefly introduced to how user access to the DESY facilities is organized.
“The NEPHEWS programme made this experience possible. In my home institution, we do not have access to synchrotron-grade equipment, and the financial and logistical barriers would have prevented this kind of research visit. NEPHEWS bridges that gap — enabling young researchers like me to gain hands-on experience, collaborate with international experts, and return with both data and real skills. It’s not just technical training; it’s an intellectual shift. I now approach crystallography with a deeper understanding of its power and complexity, and with great appreciation for the community behind it. I’m sincerely grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue building on what I’ve learned.”
Alexandros during his work at PETRA III beamline P24.