ACA Early Career Scientist Spotlight-24
 At the ACA, we highly value early-career scientists who are shaping the future of crystallography and structural science. As the next feature in our YSIG Spotlight series, Susanna exemplifies the talent, dedication, and innovative spirit that the ACA strives to support and celebrate within the young scientist community.
Susanna Huang, an ACA member since 2023, is an undergraduate at Georgia Tech with a passion for structural biology and crystallography. Inspired by her early exposure to science and her father's work, she founded a crystal-growing club, reaching over 350 K-12 students through events and competitions. Currently, she is expanding her nonprofit to introduce crystallography to college students, fostering research opportunities and collaborations. Dedicated to education and research, Susanna aims to inspire others and advance medicinal chemistry through her initiatives.
Structural Dynamics
The November 2024 issue of Structural Dynamics features an exciting article titled "ProteinReDiff: Complex-based ligand-binding proteins redesign by equivariant diffusion-based generative models." This article introduces ProteinReDiff, a method that integrates refined diffraction data with computational modeling to study ligand binding in proteins. The approach provides high-resolution insights into binding sites, affinities, and conformational changes, advancing our understanding of protein-ligand interactions. This innovative tool holds significant potential for drug discovery and protein engineering, enabling the design of more effective ligands and inhibitors. [Read the full article here.]
As an ACA member, you can enjoy a valuable benefit: a reduced submission fee for Structural Dynamics, the official journal of the American Crystallographic Association. This exclusive discount underscores ACA's dedication to supporting its members in sharing their groundbreaking research. By offering this reduced fee, ACA aims to make high-impact publishing more accessible, encouraging members to contribute their work to the global scientific community through this esteemed journal. Take advantage of this member benefit and showcase your research in Structural Dynamics today!
#GivingTuesday & Beyond!
This #GivingTuesday, join us in advancing the science of crystallography and supporting the next generation of researchers. Missed the official day? No problem! You can donate anytime to help fund student scholarships, early-career scientist programs, outreach initiatives, and our mission to promote discovery through structural science. Donations are welcome from anyone—membership is not required. The ACA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and your contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Together, we can inspire innovation, foster collaboration, and make a lasting impact on the scientific community. Donate today and be part of shaping the future of crystallography
Get Social with the ACA
Stay connected with us on social media! Our vibrant online community is the perfect place to explore the latest updates, exciting events, and inspiring stories from our organization. Follow us to join the conversation, celebrate achievements, and share your passion with like-minded individuals. Whether it’s breaking news, behind-the-scenes glimpses, or engaging discussions, our social channels are your gateway to staying informed and involved. Don’t miss out—follow, like, and share today!
IUCr2026: Calgary, Alberta
Planning for IUCr2026 is progressing rapidly, and we are thrilled to bring you an exceptional congress experience. To ensure you receive the latest updates, announcements, and important details as they become available, we invite you to add your name and email to our Expression of Interest list. Don’t miss a moment as the excitement builds!
Now accepting proposals to host the ACA Summer Course in Chemical Crystallography!
As we conclude the 2025 Summer School at Northwestern University, we are starting to plan for future years and are in search of a location to host the summer course for approximately four years.
Interested in hosting? Review the requirements and submit your proposal to the ACA, no later than January 15th!
We look forward to your submissions!
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Snowflakes are a captivating example of crystallography in nature, showcasing the intricate beauty of ice crystals formed through precise molecular arrangements. Each snowflake begins with a tiny ice nucleus, often a single water molecule that freezes and grows symmetrically as additional water vapor condenses onto it. The hexagonal structure of snowflakes arises from the molecular geometry of water, where hydrogen bonds form a six-fold symmetry. Crystallographers study these patterns to understand the physics of crystal growth and the environmental conditions influencing snowflake formation. The study of snowflakes not only reveals insights into natural processes but also exemplifies how crystallography underpins our understanding of symmetry, geometry, and molecular interactions in the world around us.
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