U.S. Physics Team Wins Gold at 2025 International Physics Olympiad

We are thrilled to share that the U.S. Physics Team earned top honors at the 2025 International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), held last week in Paris! Competing against 415 students from 87 countries, the U.S. team delivered an outstanding performance—winning five gold medals and securing the #1 global ranking. South Korea, China, and Hong Kong tied for second place, each earning four golds and one silver. We are incredibly proud to have supported this exceptional team and to see their hard work and talent recognized on the world stage. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of the students, coaches, and our supportive community. Congratulations to the U.S. Physics Team on a truly stellar performance! [Read the full press release here.]

Introducing the American Union of Crystallography (AUC): A New Chapter in U.S. Structural Science Leadership

The American Union of Crystallography (AUC) represents an exciting new chapter for the structural science community. This page introduces the AUC’s mission to strengthen connections across disciplines, support scientific collaboration, and accelerate discovery in crystallography and beyond.

Read the Blog Post

 


Advancing Crystallography: Strengthening Community, Funding & Support

The American Crystallographic Association (ACA) is dedicated to advancing scientific excellence, fostering inclusivity, and promoting open collaboration. To strengthen its impact, ACA is expanding community engagement, championing research funding, and offering direct support, including travel grants and meeting access for scientists. Through strategic partnerships and the support of its members, ACA continues to uphold an open and equitable environment where crystallography and scientific discovery can flourish.

Read the Leadership Blog Post
 

ACA Backs National Effort to Safeguard NSF and Scientific Funding

The ACA is proud to have signed on to a joint letter—alongside over 50 other scientific societies—expressing deep concern over recent developments at the National Science Foundation (NSF). These include sudden structural reorganizations, proposed caps on indirect costs, and the termination of thousands of research grants, all of which threaten the NSF’s ability to support the fundamental scientific research that underpins innovation and economic growth. As an organization dedicated to advancing crystallographic science and supporting the broader scientific community, the ACA stands firmly behind efforts to preserve the integrity, independence, and effectiveness of the NSF. By joining this collective action, we are advocating for robust Congressional oversight to ensure that the NSF can continue to fulfill its mission and support the next generation of scientific discovery.

Read the Letter

ACA2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the ACA 2025 Annual Meeting in Lombard! We are incredibly grateful for your participation, enthusiasm, and contributions throughout the week—from the engaging workshops and scientific sessions to the lively mixers and special events. Your presence helped make this year’s meeting a true celebration of our community and our shared commitment to advancing crystallographic science. Whether you presented, volunteered, sponsored, exhibited, or simply attended, your involvement was essential to the success of ACA 2025. We look forward to continuing this momentum as we head toward IUCr 2026 in Calgary—thank you again for being part of such a memorable event!

 

IUCr2026: Stay Connected & Stay Informed

Get ready for an unforgettable scientific experience at the 2026 Congress of the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr2026), taking place in beautiful Calgary, Alberta! This global gathering of crystallographers, scientists, and researchers will feature cutting-edge science, networking opportunities, and a vibrant program celebrating the full breadth of crystallography and structural science.

To stay informed and get involved early, we encourage you to sign up for our Call for Interest—your opportunity to receive important updates, contribute to the planning process, and ensure you're part of this exciting event. Don't miss your chance to shape and be part of IUCr2026 from the very beginning!

IUCr2026 Homepage

 


Spring 2025 Issue of RefleXions

In this issue of RefleXions, readers will find a celebration of the ACA’s 75th anniversary, updates on ACA and IUCr2026 meetings, tributes to George Sheldrick’s lasting impact on crystallography, and news from across the structural science community. The newsletter also features leadership announcements, committee updates, book reviews, puzzles, and insights into the evolving landscape of structural research. Be sure to check out the special reflections on the legacy of crystallographic innovation and community milestones!