Nanostructures open up new possibilities in fundamental research and for device application, since their properties can differ significantly from bulk materials due to size and quantization effects. A thorough characterization of their crystallography and their structure to property relations is essential. Beside ensemble measurements, also studies of individual nanostructures or in-situ experiments during chemical modification and device operation have become possible, using modern X-rays and neutron based techniques. This microsymposium will highlight some capabilities of this modern field of research.