Welcome to the ACA SIG Leadership Resource Page!  

Bookmark this page and use it as a way to navigate to pages and resources for SIG leadership and members.  Scientific Interest Groups (SIGs) are a vital part of the ACA. There are various SIGs that each represent a particular discipline within the field of structural science, allowing members to focus on their area of specialty while retaining access to interaction with the entire range of crystallographic techniques and applications. Any member may join however many SIGs they wish. There are no additional fee association with SIG membership.

 

SIGs Generally

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are member-led communities that bring together individuals with shared scientific interests to foster collaboration, discussion, and engagement throughout the year. They serve as a vital hub for networking, scientific exchange, and professional growth within the ACA, providing opportunities for members to connect across career stages, institutions, and disciplines. Each SIG determines its own focus areas and activities, supported by a small leadership team that helps organize meetings, promote initiatives, and facilitate communication within the group.

The ACA has set up some resources and tools for the SIGs to take advantage of to communicate and interact with members.  Please note that you must be an active ACA member and logged into your account in order to use the forums.  

 SIG 

Best Practices for Data Analysis & Archiving SIG

Homepage

Biological Macromolecules SIG

Homepage
Canadian Division
Homepage
CryoEM SIG
Homepage
Fiber SIG
Homepage
General Interest SIG
Homepage
Industrial SIG
Homepage
Light Sources SIG
Homepage
Materials SIG
Homepage

MicroED SIG

Homepage

Neutron Scattering SIG

Homepage

Powder Diffraction SIG

Homepage

Small Angle Scattering SIG

Homepage

Service SIG

Homepage
Small Molecules SIG
Homepage

US National Division

Homepage

Young Scientist Interest Group (YSIG)

Homepage

 

SIG Officers

SIG Officers play a central role in advancing the work of their Scientific Interest Groups and supporting the broader mission of the ACA. Collectively, they are responsible for coordinating year-round SIG activities, facilitating communication within their communities, and encouraging member engagement. Officers help shape the scientific program by proposing and developing annual meeting sessions, supporting ACA initiatives, and promoting opportunities such as publications, special topic collections, and cross-SIG collaboration. They also ensure timely reporting, maintain accurate records, and serve as accessible points of contact for members. Each SIG’s specific structure may vary, but all officers contribute to sustaining an active, informed, and connected scientific community within the ACA.

 

Resources

Handbook
SIG/Council Pairings 2026
List of Open Positions for Fall Election

 

Calendar

The following calendar provides a high-level overview of key milestones, planning deadlines, and coordination points for SIG Officers throughout the year. It is intended to serve as a practical reference guide to help officers stay organized, anticipate upcoming responsibilities, and align their activities with ACA-wide timelines and initiatives. While dates may shift depending on meeting schedules or Council decisions, this calendar outlines the general rhythm of SIG operations and the core tasks expected across the annual cycle.

 2026 Key Dates for Officers 
January   Host a Virtual Welcome Meeting with SIG Members  
Confirm TWO non-meeting related activities for the year  
Select the date and time of the SIG's Annual Meeting to be held in April (final date due to HQ on February 20th)
Reserve Your SIG Meeting Date & Time
March  Submit Leadership Track candidate names to ACA HQ (no later than March 20th)
Submit Your Candidates
Prepare slides for SIG's Annual Meeting.    
April  Host the virtual SIG Meeting  
Finalize session topics and identify session chairs to have the suggestions ready for the annual planning meeting  
 June  Submit mid-year report to ACA HQ  
Submit Report
Meet virtually with council and other SIG leaders to review reports   
TBD Attend the annual planning meeting.    
October Encourage SIG members to participate in the ACA election process and promote leadership involvement.  
November Submit end of year report to ACA HQ  (no later than December 1st)
Submit Report
December Meet virtually with council, newly elected SIG officers and other SIG leaders to review reports