An important statement from the American Crystallographic Association

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.

Crystallography has long stood as a beacon of interdisciplinary discovery, transcending political and national boundaries to advance our understanding of the natural world. As an organization, we are unwavering in our support for policies and initiatives that promote scientific inquiry, open collaboration, and equitable access to education and research opportunities.

We believe that policies enabling the free movement of researchers and the open exchange of scientific knowledge are essential to global progress. Scientific discovery flourishes through international collaboration, allowing scholars to share data and expertise across borders. Any barriers to this exchange can stifle innovation and slow critical advancements in areas such as medicine and technology. To drive meaningful progress, we must foster an environment where knowledge flows freely and researchers of all backgrounds, nationalities, and perspectives can contribute without undue restrictions.

Additionally, we are being mindful of the potential challenges posed by reductions in federal funding for scientific research. Sustained and robust investment in science is critical for maintaining the US's leadership in innovation, advancing new technologies, and tackling pressing global challenges. Funding cuts or stagnation not only jeopardize ongoing research but also limit opportunities for the next generation of scientists. Without adequate support, scientific institutions, researchers and students may struggle to continue their groundbreaking work, impeding progress in fields that impact public health, energy and national security. The ACA strongly backs policies that prioritize and protect funding for basic and applied scientific research, ensuring a stable foundation for discovery and innovation.

To address these concerns and actively support our community, the ACA is implementing the following to support our members:

    • Community Engagement. Please join us in the new forum dedicated to supporting one another during this time. We encourage you to connect, share experiences, and support.
    • Advocacy & Story Collection. If you have been impacted by the current federal administration’s actions, please email Kristin Stevens (kstevens@amercrystalassn.org) to share your story.  
    • Resource Hub. We will be creating an accessible resource page with links to find political representatives and guidance on how to reach out effectively.
    • Direct Action & Support
        ◦ Financial Support. We will increase the budget for young scientist travel grants and extend the deadline to submit a travel grant to April 28th.  
        ◦ Meeting Access. Government employees affected by recent workforce reductions are eligible for complimentary registration to ACA2025. If your position has been eliminated and you would like to attend, please reach out to Kristina Vitale (kvitale@amercrystalassn.org) to make arrangements.
    • Collaboration Efforts. We remain committed to actively pursuing collaborations with like-minded associations that align with our mission and enhance our collective impact.

Additionally, we will continue our membership in the Coalition for National Science Funding (CNSF), which advocates for sustained federal investment in scientific research and education, and the Energy Sciences Coalition (ESC), which supports federal funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science to advance energy-related research and innovation.

We recognize that shifts on the national level can bring both opportunities and uncertainties for the scientific community. Regardless of these changes, the ACA remains committed to supporting robust funding for scientific research, fostering international cooperation, and promoting evidence-based policymaking. We stand in solidarity with researchers, educators and students, ensuring that their voices are heard and that science remains a cornerstone of progress.

Furthermore, we will continue to foster a welcoming and inclusive community, free from discrimination and bias, where all scientists — regardless of background, nationality or identity — can contribute and excel. Science flourishes in an environment of openness and mutual respect, and we will remain vigilant in upholding these principles.

As we navigate the evolving landscape, we encourage our members to remain engaged, to advocate for the importance of science, and to support one another in our shared pursuit of knowledge. Together, we will continue to advance crystallography and uphold the values that have made our community strong.

Thank you for your dedication to science and to the ACA. We look forward to working together to ensure a future where research, collaboration and discovery remain at the forefront.