Two molecules can contain the same atoms, connected in the same way, yet behave differently because of their three-dimensional arrangement. The 2026 Nobel Prize in Chemistry celebrates discoveries that help explain—and control—this molecular “handedness,” a subject closely connected to crystallography.
The ACA congratulates Francis Halzen, recipient of the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics, for his contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos from astrophysical sources.
The American Crystallographic Association joins the international scientific community in mourning the passing of Professor Ada Yonath, Nobel laureate and pioneering structural biologist, who died on August 31, 2026, at the age of 87.
Yesterday, the American Crystallographic Association submitted formal comments to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding its proposed revisions to the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200), the federal regulations that govern how research grants are awarded and administered.
The ACA is joining the American Physical Society (APS) and a coalition of scientific and research organizations to help ensure the voice of the research community is heard as the federal government considers significant changes to the regulations governing federal research grants.
The ACA is saddened to learn of the passing of Victor W. Day, Ph.D., on June 18, 2026, at the age of 82.
It is with great sadness that the ACA shares the passing of longtime ACA member Dr. Ian David Brown, who died peacefully on June 29, 2026, at the age of 94. Known simply as David to his friends and colleagues, he leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that has shaped the field of crystallography for generations.
The American Crystallographic Association is pleased to recognize its newest class of ACA Fellows. Election as an ACA Fellow is one of the Association's highest honors and recognizes members whose contributions to the advancement of crystallography or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished. Fellows may be recognized for excellence in research, teaching, technological innovation, service to professional societies, leadership in academia, industry, or government, or for outstanding efforts in communicating science to broader audiences.
The American Crystallographic Association (ACA) is pleased to announce the recipients of three of its highest honors for 2027. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in crystallographic research, structural science, and diffraction physics, as well as the individuals whose work continues to advance our understanding of the structure of matter.
One of the ACA’s most important responsibilities is ensuring that our Annual Meetings provide outstanding scientific experiences while remaining financially sustainable, accessible, and engaging for members. After an extensive site selection process spanning several years, we are delighted to announce the locations of the ACA Annual Meetings through 2029:
Celebrating Excellence in Structural Dynamics: Elina Elvelo Recognized at the 2026 BCA Meeting
It is a tremendous honor to serve as the new President of the American Crystallographic Association. I look forward to working with our outstanding community and continuing the ACA’s tradition of scientific excellence, collaboration, and collegiality.
The ACA Newsletter, a.k.a. RefleXions, is a mainstay of communications in the structural sciences community and holds a special place among social media platforms and other background noise. It has evolved since its inception by the esteemed Dr. Jenny Glusker in the 1960’s, including moving from print editions to a digital only format. The latter was spearheaded by previous editor Dr. Paul Swepston and is noted to have saved the society large sums by circumventing printing and mailing charges.
Each quarter, we highlight a new collection of book reviews exploring a wide variety of topics and perspectives. Whether informative, thought-provoking, or simply enjoyable, these selections reflect the broad interests of our community and may inspire your next great read.
For more than fifteen years, ACA members have looked forward to one of the Association’s most unique and engaging traditions: the ACA Puzzle.
If you’ve attended an ACA meeting, you probably know that I travel with what I jokingly call my “unpaid labor” — also known as family members. What started as immediate family support has evolved, and for the past two years my mother has joined me, faithfully working the registration desk.
ACA is pleased to share a recent update from corporate partner STOE & Cie GmbH. STOE has announced a new partnership with Advanced Measurement Instruments (AMI), which has acquired a majority interest in the company.
The American Crystallographic Association is pleased to share news from our publishing partnership with AIP Publishing: Structural Dynamics is entering a new chapter with the appointment of Mark Wilson as Editor-in-Chief.
Earlier this month, we hosted a We’re Listening session to discuss the results of the Future Meetings Survey. The conversation was thoughtful and productive, and it gave us valuable context beyond the survey data alone.
The American Crystallographic Association is deeply grateful to Virginia Pett, who is concluding her service as ACA Historian. Virginia’s dedication, care, and steady leadership have played a vital role in preserving the history of our Association and ensuring that ACA’s legacy remains accessible to current and future generations.
