Crystals are ubiquitous: most metals, for example, are
crystalline. Known for the almost perfect organization of their
atoms, crystals nonetheless always contain imperfections, which are
called defects. The concentration and morphology of defects in a
crystalline solid have a direct influence on the properties of the
material. Improving the understanding of crystal defects and their
evolution will therefore make it easier to predict changes in how
materials change over time. Understanding such changes is
especially crucial for ensuring the optimal design of facilities
subject to severe environmental conditions such as
irradiation.