The U.S. crystallographic community is undergoing a critical transformation. Since 2018, when the National Science Foundation (NSF) designated crystallography a “mature” field and ceased direct support for the U.S. National Committee for Crystallography (USNC/Cr), the committee has been sustained by private donations, a single NIST grant, and careful budgeting. This patchwork funding model, however, has proven unsustainable. For example, NAS is paid for its services and has not kept pace with basic USNC/Cr management responsibilities, such as updating committee appointments, maintaining its public website or interacting with IUCr.

The situation has become more urgent following recent communications from Ourania Kosti at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), indicating that NSF will no longer delegate stewardship of U.S. National Committees to NAS. Instead, a new centralized framework will place oversight under NSF or a new federal entity. Critically, crystallography is not among the disciplines included in this transition. As a result, the USNC/Cr is at risk of losing both structural support and federal recognition for the 2025–2029 cycle. Furthermore, Ms. Kosti is going to recommend to the NAS Council in early August that NAS cease to be the adhering body to the IUCr for the U.S.

On ACA Leadership

By:  Christopher Cahill | Department of Chemistry | The George Washington University

What a thrill to be asked to share a few thoughts on leadership with the ACA community. In some respects, ACA provided me with my first ‘official’ leadership opportunity when I was elected to Council as Vice President in 2014. I had been leading a research group for about 15 years at that point, yet that was a very different experience, for sure. I felt drawn to the opportunity- ACA had been my scientific home for years, and some committee work had whetted my appetite for deeper engagement. I also felt that the ACA was then at a bit of a critical crossroads, and that I could contribute to re-tooling some aspects of operations. I was not explicitly aware of this at the time, but it turns out a strength that I have is to recognize the interconnected nature of challenges and opportunities, and to recognize what is important to a diverse group of stakeholders. As my leadership journey has continued, now to include Chemistry Department Chair for the past six years, I find that recognizing and acknowledging what is important to people, and then advocating for that within institutional constructs is rewarding and provides a wonderful sense of purpose.

As my career and experiences continue to evolve, I find myself feeling even more drawn to leadership and mentorship opportunities. My own interests have diverted away from the lab bench, and I enjoy living vicariously through my students, or through the junior faculty I am supporting. My predecessor in the Chair position at GW would always say ‘Your success is my success.’ And I could not agree more. Lately, I am most excited about helping create the infrastructure for others to do their best work, and I am motivated towards making processes and operations function more smoothly- it’s funny how the definition of a ‘win’ changes over time!

To Our Members and the Scientific Community:

As the leadership of the American Crystallographic Association (ACA), we remain steadfast in our commitment to the core values that define our organization: scientific excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and the free exchange of knowledge. In light of ongoing changes and challenges, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering an environment where science thrives, diverse perspectives are valued, and the highest standards of research and collaboration are upheld.

In Memoriam: George M. Sheldrick (1942–2025)

It is with profound sadness that the scientific community announces the passing of George M. Sheldrick, a pioneering crystallographer whose innovative contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of science. Born in 1942, George dedicated his career to advancing the field of crystallography, transforming the way scientists determine and understand molecular structures.

A Trailblazer in Crystallography

George’s groundbreaking work, most notably his development of the SHELX suite of programs, revolutionized crystal structure analysis. His methods brought unprecedented precision and efficiency to the field, empowering researchers across chemistry, biology, and materials science. Over decades, his innovations not only enriched academic research but also had practical applications in pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, and beyond.

Spring is coming soon! Every year, on the 1st of April, the ACA collects nominations for its Fellows program. When I was elected a 2021 ACA Fellow, to be honest, I hadn’t put much thought into why professional organizations bother to make such distinctions. Certainly, being elected a Fellow is an honor and welcome recognition for any individual, but why do we, the ACA, The Structural Science Society, promote this type of recognition?

The professional world abounds with awards and honors designed to highlight specific scientific achievements, but the Fellows program is different. ACA Fellows are characterized as "scientific ambassadors" serving to advance the much broader goals of "scientific education, research, knowledge, interaction, and collaboration." Back when I was a student, my first inkling that science was more than just a single person "making discoveries" came when I started to realize that I needed collaborators. It was years before I fully appreciated all the elements that are required for science to advance and I'm still learning. Science is far more collaborative than I expected: experts with complementary skills must connect and build mutually beneficial relationships. New techniques need to be popularized and made accessible. Complex discoveries need to be communicated clearly and compellingly to engage the public and persuade policymakers of the value of long-term investments in science and education, despite their difficult-to-measure impact. Young scientists need opportunities to participate in and become part of a community ... and to understand the value of doing so.

Happy New Year ACA Members! 

As we step into an exciting new chapter, we’re thrilled to share some important updates and changes for the association.

Dear ACA Members:

As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the power of community and the vital role we all play in advancing science. This year, I invite you to join the global #GivingTuesday movement, a day dedicated to generosity and making a positive impact.

Hello ACA Members,

A big thank you to everyone who shared feedback throughout the annual meeting in Denver and beyond! As your Executive Director, I’m committed to creating a safe and open space where all members can communicate and help make our association better. I want you to know that leadership is listening to your thoughts about communication within the ACA and is actively working to address these concerns. Stay tuned for more updates, but in the meantime, we’re starting to communicate a bit differently at HQ.

Introducing the ACA: Structural Science Society!

The American Crystallographic Association has a long and incredible history. Formed in 1949 by a merger of the Crystallographic Society of America and the American Society for X-ray and Electron Diffraction, the ACA promotes the study of the arrangement of atoms in matter. Even in the group’s first form, we wanted to offer a "home" for chemists, mineralogists, and physicists and now, more than fifty years later, the ACA is still evolving to welcome all structural science disciplines to the society.

Realizing that the ACA membership was growing to include non-crystallographers practicing structural science, in 2021 ACA Council voted to add “The Structural Science Society” as a tagline to the traditional ACA logo. This change prompted the search for a new logo that would better reflect all scientists determining atomic-scale structure, not only those practicing crystallography and established the ACA Logo Committee.

Hello Structural Science Friends! 

With the start of the new year we welcome a whole new group of ACA volunteers. The ACA is so lucky to have the most amazing and dedicated members who are always eager to volunteer in some capacity. Every year, when we elect and appoint new members to Council, Committees and SIGs, I am inspired by the enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by these members.

Dear ACA Members, Colleagues & Friends:

Structure Matters! After several years with the ACA I can tell you that “structure” takes all forms. Most, in this group, are familiar with this term as it relates to the study of “the structure of matter at atomic (or near atomic) resolution” however, the ACA is also a structure. In terms of structure, the ACA is a strong association with a long history and a bright future. I am both honored and excited to take on the role of Executive Director and to join forces with such a passionate, dedicated group of members.