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.

Additionally, the USNC/Cr is not a legal entity—it operates under NAS administrative control, limiting its ability to act independently on behalf of U.S. crystallographers. With this context in mind, USNC/Cr leadership—Joe Ferrara, Lisa Keefe and Ilia Guzei—has taken proactive steps to safeguard the future of U.S. representation to IUCr and advance the interests of crystallographers in the U. S. The team is well prepared and credentialed for this task. Joe Ferrara is a past president of the ACA, current Chair of the USNC/Cr and an advisor to the IUCr Finance Committee. Lisa Keefe is a past president of the ACA and current Vice Chair of the USNC/Cr. Ilia Guzei is past Treasurer of the ACA, current Secretary/Treasurer of the USNC/Cr and an advisor to the IUCr Finance Committee.

In early 2025, they founded the American Union of Crystallography (AUC), a nonprofit organization incorporated in the state of Delaware. The AUC aims to become the independent, enduring voice for crystallographic science in the United States.

Mission and Goals of the American Union of Crystallography

The AUC is committed to the following core objectives:

1. Serve as the national voice for U.S. crystallographers—advising federal agencies, industry, and policymakers on the scientific and societal value of crystallography and structural science, in general.
2. Advocate for robust support of high-impact crystallographic research across disciplines, including biology, chemistry, materials science, and engineering.
3. Promote interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting structural scientists with adjacent fields to maximize scientific discovery and innovation.
4. Strengthen education and training, cultivating the next generation of crystallographers through high-quality programs and mentorship.
5. Engage internationally, including active participation in the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr) and other global scientific bodies.
6. Expand public outreach, raising awareness of crystallography’s contributions to solving real-world challenges—such as disease treatment, sustainable energy, and advanced materials.
7. Ensure long-term sustainability through a sound investment strategy and responsible stewardship of financial resources.
8. Achieve its mission and goals as an all-volunteer organization.

Two Urgent Needs: IUCr Recognition & Fund Stewardship

To fulfill its mission, the AUC must overcome two immediate challenges:

1. Gaining Adhering Body Status for IUCr Traditionally, NAS has served as the U.S. adhering body to the IUCr. However, with NAS stepping away from that role, a new representative entity must be identified. AUC leadership believes the organization is ideally positioned to assume this role—but formal recognition from NAS is necessary.
2. Transferring Stewardship of Legacy Funds Approximately $400,000 in private funds, originally generated from the 1996 IUCr Congress in Seattle, were entrusted to NAS in 2008. These funds have since been managed under NAS’s conservative investment strategy, but with significant administrative overhead, 24% in 2025, for any disbursement except for IUCr dues. Broad community support will be critical to making this case.

Transferring these funds to the AUC is vital to supporting U.S. crystallographic programs, including workshops, schools, and future international meetings. The AUC has pledged not to disburse any funds until it is fully staffed, its Finance Committee is in place, and a formal investment policy is adopted.

Why Not the ACA?

Some may ask why the American Crystallographic Association (ACA) cannot serve as the adhering body or fund manager. The ACA is a regional affiliate of the IUCr, jointly representing both the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, the ACA previously managed the USNC/Cr’s private funds from 1996–2007 but relinquished that role following an internal audit that identified a conflict of interest.

Why Not the U.S. National Division (USND) of the ACA?

While the USND was instantiated to eventually take over the role of the USNC/Cr, it is subject to the same accounting rules as the ACA. Therefore, not able to assume the roles needed, adhering body and steward of funds, without becoming its own 501(c)(3).

Governance & Next Steps

The AUC recognizes the importance of transparent and inclusive governance. While the organization’s founding officers have initiated structural development, the process for populating the AUC Governing Board is actively under consideration. As an initial step, all current members of the USNC/Cr will be invited to serve as members of the AUC Board through 2025. To further support a fair and representative transition, the AUC will follow the same procedures as the USNC/Cr for selecting its 2026 members. This approach is intended to maintain community trust and continuity while ensuring that the founding officers are not perceived as selecting board members unilaterally.

Additional community input will inform the final composition and long-term nomination procedures.

The AUC has finalized its bylaws, modeled on those of the USNC/Cr, and will soon apply for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Once granted, this will allow the AUC to:

• Accept tax-deductible donations
• Manage and grow an independent endowment
• Launch programs and initiatives without reliance on NAS or NSF

The AUC will establish committees focused on Workforce & Education, Standards & Ethics, Finance & Fundraising, and other key areas, with nominations to be solicited from across the community.

A Call to Action

We urge members of the U.S. crystallographic community to support the AUC’s request for

• Recognition as the new U.S. adhering body to the IUCr
• Stewardship of the USNC/Cr legacy funds

With your engagement and vote of confidence, the AUC can become a nimble, transparent, and forward-looking institution—ready to champion structural science for decades to come.

Short-Term Financial Priorities:

• Supporting U.S.-based crystallographic education and training
• Contributing to the success of the 2026 IUCr Congress and General Assembly in Canada

Available upon request:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Draft Bylaws
• Investment Policy Statement

Joe Ferrara, President
Lisa Keefe, Secretary
Ilia Guzei, Treasurer