The American Crystallographic Association proudly recognizes three outstanding scientists whose work is advancing the frontiers of structural science:

• David G. Rognlie Award – Dr. Yifan Cheng (UCSF): For transformative innovations in cryo-electron microscopy, including motion correction algorithms and atomic-resolution structures of membrane proteins like TRPV1. His work helped launch the "Resolution Revolution" and continues to drive the field forward.

• A.L. Patterson Award – Dr. Randy J. Read (University of Cambridge): For pioneering likelihood-based methods in macromolecular crystallography, including the development of σA maps and Phaser software—tools now central to modern structure determination.

• Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award – Dr. Emmanuel Nji (CRID, Cameroon): For groundbreaking work on membrane transporters and leadership in building structural biology capacity across Africa through BioStruct-Africa.

Each year, the American Crystallographic Association honors individuals who are pushing the boundaries of structural science. In this post, we’re thrilled to introduce the 2026 ACA Award winners—three exceptional scientists whose innovations and leadership are making a global impact. These awards will be formally presented at the IUCr2026 Congress in Calgary; details of the ceremony will be announced in the coming months.

The U.S. crystallographic community is undergoing a critical transformation. Since 2018, when the National Science Foundation (NSF) designated crystallography a “mature” field and ceased direct support for the U.S. National Committee for Crystallography (USNC/Cr), the committee has been sustained by private donations, a single NIST grant, and careful budgeting. This patchwork funding model, however, has proven unsustainable. For example, NAS is paid for its services and has not kept pace with basic USNC/Cr management responsibilities, such as updating committee appointments, maintaining its public website or interacting with IUCr.

The situation has become more urgent following recent communications from Ourania Kosti at the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), indicating that NSF will no longer delegate stewardship of U.S. National Committees to NAS. Instead, a new centralized framework will place oversight under NSF or a new federal entity. Critically, crystallography is not among the disciplines included in this transition. As a result, the USNC/Cr is at risk of losing both structural support and federal recognition for the 2025–2029 cycle. Furthermore, Ms. Kosti is going to recommend to the NAS Council in early August that NAS cease to be the adhering body to the IUCr for the U.S.

The ACA is proud to celebrate a major milestone in the career of Dr. James Kaduk, who has been elected a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)—one of the highest distinctions in the scientific community.

Jim’s impact on crystallography, particularly in the field of powder diffraction, is well known to our members. But beyond his scientific achievements, Jim has been a pillar of the ACA for years—a generous colleague, dedicated mentor, and tireless advocate for crystallographic education and outreach.

To Our Members and the Scientific Community:

As the leadership of the American Crystallographic Association (ACA), we remain steadfast in our commitment to the core values that define our organization: scientific excellence, integrity, inclusivity, and the free exchange of knowledge. In light of ongoing changes and challenges, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering an environment where science thrives, diverse perspectives are valued, and the highest standards of research and collaboration are upheld.