Welcome to the ACA SIG Leadership Resource Page!  

Bookmark this page and use it as a way to navigate to pages and resources for SIG leadership and members.  Scientific Interest Groups (SIGs) are a vital part of the ACA. There are various SIGs that each represent a particular discipline within the field of structural science, allowing members to focus on their area of specialty while retaining access to interaction with the entire range of crystallographic techniques and applications. Any member may join however many SIGs they wish. There are no additional fee association with SIG membership.

SIGs Generally

Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are member-led communities that bring together individuals with shared scientific interests to foster collaboration, discussion, and engagement throughout the year. They serve as a vital hub for networking, scientific exchange, and professional growth within the ACA, providing opportunities for members to connect across career stages, institutions, and disciplines. Each SIG determines its own focus areas and activities, supported by a small leadership team that helps organize meetings, promote initiatives, and facilitate communication within the group.

The ACA has set up some resources and tools for the SIGs to take advantage of to communicate and interact with members.  Please note that you must be an active ACA member and logged into your account in order to use the forums.  

SIG Officers

SIG Officers play a central role in advancing the work of their Scientific Interest Groups and supporting the broader mission of the ACA. Collectively, they are responsible for coordinating year-round SIG activities, facilitating communication within their communities, and encouraging member engagement. Officers help shape the scientific program by proposing and developing annual meeting sessions, supporting ACA initiatives, and promoting opportunities such as publications, special topic collections, and cross-SIG collaboration. They also ensure timely reporting, maintain accurate records, and serve as accessible points of contact for members. Each SIG’s specific structure may vary, but all officers contribute to sustaining an active, informed, and connected scientific community within the ACA.

Resources

This page provides essential guidance, links and information to help SIG officers manage their responsibilities throughout the year. Please use the resources listed below as needed, and reach out to ACA HQ anytime for support.

Calendar

The following calendar provides a high-level overview of key milestones, planning deadlines, and coordination points for SIG Officers throughout the year. It is intended to serve as a practical reference guide to help officers stay organized, anticipate upcoming responsibilities, and align their activities with ACA-wide timelines and initiatives. While dates may shift depending on meeting schedules or Council decisions, this calendar outlines the general rhythm of SIG operations and the core tasks expected across the annual cycle.