Crystal structure prediction: reflections on present status and challenges
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 4, 2026

A Protocol for Computer-Based Protein Structure and Function Prediction
Published on: November 3, 2011
1Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo Innovation Center, 3 Nobel St., Moscow 143026, Russia. a.oganov@skoltech.ru.
Abstract:
Long thought to be impossible, crystal structure prediction (CSP) is a thriving field today, with many important discoveries in fields as diverse as computational materials discovery, drug design, high-pressure chemistry and mineralogy of the Earth's and planetary interiors. However, major challenges remain, warranting more research. In these Concluding Remarks, I try to summarize my personal view of the enormous progress made in the field of CSP and the open questions and challenges that keep this field more exciting than ever.
Related Concept Videos
Ionic Crystal Structures
Most monatomic ions behave as charged spheres, and their attraction for ions of opposite charge is the same in every direction. Consequently, stable structures for ionic compounds result (1) when ions of one charge are surrounded by as many ions as possible of the opposite...
Predicting Molecular Geometry
The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
Structures of Solids
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent...

