ACA Early Career Scientist Spotlight-24
 At the ACA, we deeply value the contributions of early-career scientists, whose innovation and dedication drive progress and shape the future of our community. Through the Early Career Scientist Spotlight series, led by our Communications Committee and the YSIG, we celebrate the achievements and aspirations of these rising stars. This initiative highlights their groundbreaking work and the inspiring personal journeys that enrich our field.
Our next featured ACA member is Naba Krishna Das, a fourth-year graduate student at UMBC, researching RNA structural biology in Dr. Deepak Koirala’s lab. Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Naba earned a degree in chemistry from SUST before teaching high school chemistry for six years. He later pursued a Master’s in Analytical Chemistry at Mississippi State. Naba values connecting with people and learning their stories, which fuels his passion for research and collaboration.
ACA Elections
We’re thrilled to announce the results of this year’s ACA Election! The election showcased the remarkable engagement and dedication of our community, and we’re so grateful to everyone who participated. Your votes and voices are instrumental in shaping the future of the ACA, helping us grow and succeed together.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our mission. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on another exciting chapter with our newly elected leaders!
#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
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!
Banner Image:
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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