The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona Campus, celebrated a significant milestone on October 3, 2024, with the launch of the crXstal Caribbean Regional X-ray Science Toward Advancement Laboratory and the commissioning of the state-of-the-art Bruker D8 Quest Eco Single Crystal Diffractometer (SC-XRD).

This premier research facility, equipped with advanced X-ray diffraction technology, marks a groundbreaking achievement for the English-speaking Caribbean. The SC-XRD enables researchers to "see" atoms and determine 3D structures at the atomic and molecular level, revolutionizing scientific research in the region.

The launch of the crXstal Laboratory and SC-XRD represents a significant step forward for scientific research and development in the Caribbean. This cutting-edge facility has the potential to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and contribute to the region's economic growth and scientific excellence.

Dr. Tomlin Paul, Deputy Principal of The UWI Mona, emphasized the machine's transformative potential, aligning with the university's core mission of fostering science, teaching, and research. He highlighted the early success of the crXstal laboratory in attracting regional interest, underscoring its potential to establish UWI as a global scientific hub. “We are a part of the whole vision for promoting STEM education, and promoting sciences at its best” he said.

The SC-XRD is a crucial tool for advancing a myriad of STEM disciplines, including environmental monitoring, materials science, life sciences, drug discovery, and pharmaceuticals. X-ray diffraction has proven to be essential for innovation, driving scientific developments, industrial applications, and educational advancement worldwide. Local industries such as those in the mining, construction, food and environmental sectors will all be able to benefit from this facility.

Professor Michele Zema from Light Sources for Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific (LAAAMP), a major international partner, emphasized the significance of the donation, calling it a "seed" for the students, campus, and community to grow.

As a scientific hub, crXstal has the potential to increase student enrollment in STEM programs, generate revenue for the university and its contributing partners, and increase the number and impact of scientific publications and the translation of research into innovation by Caribbean researchers. It will also enhance inter-university and inter-island collaboration and promote cultural exchange through joint projects and training.

Professor Michael Taylor, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, expressed his enthusiasm for the tangible outcomes for the sciences, hinting that the hub represents vision, investment and partnership solidified. ‘This is a hub for Caribbean science’, he added.”

Dr. Marvadeen Singh-Wilmot, lead scientist and founder of crXstal thanked all contributors, commenting that the realization of crXstal reflects “true partnership for the goals” as The UWI Mona brought together multiple donors in the international community – LAAAMP, UNESCO, Bristol Myers Squibb (a global pharmaceutical company), Bruker (manufacturer of the instrument), the Royal Society of Chemistry, the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr); The UWI Cave Hill Campus (regional partners); Juici Patties (local private sector partner); the Caribbean Academy of Sciences Jamaica as well as individuals, locally and internationally - to make crXstal a reality.