Crystallography underpins a myriad of sciences, as such trained crystallographers are required to continue to sustain these industries as well as to develop new ideas and techniques to help improve efficiency and create new products. Open Laboratories intend to foster and train the crystallographers of tomorrow which will help shape industries and economies.

For example, crystallography plays a pivotal role in medical industry, materials science, archaeology and mining, as X-ray crystallography has been the main method of determining the atomic structure of minerals and metals since the 1920s. X-ray diffractometers are used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of mineral compositions or ores and surrounding rocks, as well as in mineral processing.

Additionally, it provides phase identification which means understanding what are the minerals present in the mine, and quantification at a very accurate level. This allows predictions about the quality and then exploitation of the resource. As mineral exploration and production is a significant part of the economies of many developing countries, namely in Africa, it is crucial to train local scientists in these techniques in order that they may be able to contribute to the economic development of their region, and that mining companies can employ scientists of a high caliber.