In Memoriam: George M. Sheldrick (1942–2025)

It is with profound sadness that the scientific community announces the passing of George M. Sheldrick, a pioneering crystallographer whose innovative contributions have left an indelible mark on the world of science. Born in 1942, George dedicated his career to advancing the field of crystallography, transforming the way scientists determine and understand molecular structures.

A Trailblazer in Crystallography

George’s groundbreaking work, most notably his development of the SHELX suite of programs, revolutionized crystal structure analysis. His methods brought unprecedented precision and efficiency to the field, empowering researchers across chemistry, biology, and materials science. Over decades, his innovations not only enriched academic research but also had practical applications in pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, and beyond.

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.