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.

Taking place annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday is a chance to support causes close to your heart. At the ACA, our mission—to advance research, education, and communication in the structural sciences—relies on the collective passion and support of our members and friends. Your contributions help us build a dynamic community that drives innovation and fosters collaboration.

Here are just a few examples of what your generosity has made possible:

Travel Grant Success Stories: Last year, thanks to your support and our partnership with the IUCr, we awarded nearly 40 travel grants. One recipient shared how attending ACA2024 transformed her research through feedback and fresh ideas, demonstrating how your contributions empower early-career scientists.  I invite you to explore our RefleXions collection to discover the inspiring stories of our travel grant winners and their journeys.

The faces of the 2024 ACA Student Travel Grant Winners

Outreach Highlights: Your support also fuels programs like the U.S. Crystal Growing Competition, inspiring curiosity and scientific discovery among students. As one teacher shared, “Students love this hands-on learning... it teaches not just crystallization but broader scientific concepts.”

ACA member Jason Benedict shared this photo featuring the 2022 USCGC entries proudly displayed in the Department of Chemistry at the University at Buffalo.

Empowering Future Scientists: Programs like the ACA Summer School and Pacific Northwest Summer Crystallography Institute are shaping the next generation of researchers. One participant noted, “These opportunities are invaluable for integrating crystallography into research and teaching.”

Above students learn about structural science at the 2022 ACA Summer School Course.

This Giving Tuesday, we invite you to:

Donate: Every contribution makes a difference. Visit our online donation portal to give.

Share Your Story: Spread the word about why the ACA matters to you—on social media or in conversations.

Volunteer: Lend your time and expertise to ACA initiatives like engaging in a SIG activity or running for a leadership position.

Together, we can sustain and grow the ACA as a vital resource for scientists, educators, and students. Your support—whether through donations, advocacy, or volunteering—magnifies our impact and helps us fulfill our mission.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for considering the ACA in your charitable giving this season. Your commitment makes all the difference.

Sincerely, 

Kristin H. Stevens

Executive Director