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.

The activities and commitments exemplified by ACA Fellows are essential to fostering a vibrant organization—one that attracts new talent, supports its members, and advances the field of structural science. To promote and celebrate these contributions, the ACA aims to recognize a significant portion of its membership through the Fellows program. Do you know someone who has demonstrated distinguished efforts in advancing crystallography or its applications through research, teaching, technology, professional service, leadership, or public engagement? Nominate them today to honor their dedication and impact, and help us celebrate the leaders shaping the future of crystallography.

For more information check out: https://www.amercrystalassn.org/fellows and, feel free to ask a Fellow for help!

Richard Gillilan
ACA Fellows Class of 2021
Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source
Ithaca, NY

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.