Session & Event List

This year’s conference features an exciting lineup of sessions designed to inspire, educate, and foster meaningful discussions on the latest trends, challenges, and breakthroughs shaping our industry. Below, you will find the complete session list, including detailed descriptions, speaker information, and schedules. Be sure to plan your agenda in advance to make the most of your experience.

Morning (AM) sessions: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM (with a coffee break at 10:00 AM)

Afternoon (PM) sessions: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (with a coffee break at 3:00 PM)

Evening (EVE) sessions: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Please note that the session schedule is tentative and subject to change. We recommend checking for updates regularly to stay informed about any modifications to session times, locations, or speakers.
Daily Schedule

Friday, July 18th

  • For further details, please visit the workshop lineup page.

  • For further details, please visit the workshop lineup page.

  • For further details, please visit the workshop lineup page.

  • For further details, please visit the workshop lineup page.

  • If you're a mentor or mentee, be sure to join this event and kickstart meaningful connections!

  • Join us as ACA President Gerald Audette kicks off the annual meeting, followed by an inspiring keynote address from our esteemed speaker, Stephen Burley.

  • Join us for the Opening Reception in the exhibit hall as we kick off the annual meeting. This lively gathering provides an opportunity for attendees to connect, network, and discuss the latest advancements in structural science in an informal setting. With light refreshments and engaging conversations, the reception sets the stage for a dynamic conference filled with insightful presentations, collaborative discussions, and groundbreaking discoveries in the field.

Saturday, July 19th

Morning Sessions

  • Session Chairs: Carla Slebodnick, Krystle McLaughlin, George Lountos & Thomas Proffen

    Structural Science is evolving rapidly with advances in AI, Cryo-EM, micro-ED, and XFELS, expanding our ability to explore molecular structures. As the ACA marks its Diamond Jubilee, it reflects on past achievements while embracing future innovations and interdisciplinary impact. Read more…

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Light Sources

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Best Practices

    Session Chairs: Art Lyubimov & Darya Marchany-Rivera

    This session explores the latest developments in multicrystal data collection and processing, focusing on improved acquisition, integration, and refinement techniques.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Biological Macromolecules

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Industrial, Canadian Division

    Session Chairs: Susmith Mukund, Samantha Powell & Gerald Audette

    Membrane proteins are some of the most difficult proteins to work with, and are key proteins regulating intricate cellular control while themselves being drug targets. This session will focus on the structural biology of membrane proteins and recent technological advances in the field.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Service

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): MNP, Small Mol, Service, Canadian

    Session Chairs: Ashfia Huq * Cora Lind-Kovacs

    In celebration of ACA’s 75th anniversary, this session aims to highlight the tremendous contributions of structural sciences in a variety of fields over the past decades. We especially welcome talks on the progress of techniques in X-ray, Neutron and electron crystallography over the past three-quarter century. In addition, contributions on transformative applications in the fields of chemistry, physics, materials science, biology and geology are encouraged. Presentations may provide a look back on our achievements or visions for cutting-edge structural science to envision for future decades to come.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Small Angle Scattering

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Light Sources, MNP

    Session Chairs: Hilmar Koerne & Arthur Woll

    The session will delve into recent developments and importance of synchrotron x-ray scattering techniques in elucidating the development of intra- and inter-layer structures in materials during additive manufacturing (AM). Additive manufacturing technologies are proving to disrupt various industries by enabling the creation of complex, high-performance components with unparalleled design freedom. However, the current state of the art faces significant challenges, particularly in achieving consistent material properties and optimal performance. One of the critical hurdles is understanding the complex interplay between processing parameters, structural formation at various length scales, and the resulting performance properties of the manufactured parts. Synchrotron X-ray techniques (e.g. scattering, diffraction, imaging) offer a powerful means to monitor and analyze the real-time evolution of material structures at various length scales during the AM process. This session will highlight recent advancements, provide insights into overcoming existing challenges, and discuss how these techniques can drive the development of more reliable and high-performance additive manufacturing processes.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): General Interest

    Session Chairs: Zhen Xu & Tim Stachowski

    General Interest sessions provide a platform for topics of broad relevance to structural science or for presentations that do not align with the specific themes of other sessions. All presentations are chosen from submitted abstracts.

Lunch Sessions

  • 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM CT

    Join us in celebrating the 2025 Margaret C. Etter Award for Early Career Achievement recipient, Dr. Dmitry Lyumkis. Read more…

  • 12:55 PM - 1:55 PM CT

    Sponsoring SIG(s): YSIG

    Session Chairs: Kenny Childers & Alex Erikson 

    The Three Minute Thesis (TMT) Competition at ACA2025is a dynamic and engaging event that highlights the innovative research conducted by graduate students across diverse fields. Participants are challenged to present their complex thesis research in an accessible, compelling, and concise manner—using just three minutes and one static slide, with no animations or props.

Afternoon Sessions

  • Session Chairs: Carla Slebodnick, Krystle McLaughlin, George Lountos & Thomas Proffen

    Structural Science is evolving rapidly with advances in AI, Cryo-EM, micro-ED, and XFELS, expanding our ability to explore molecular structures. As the ACA marks its Diamond Jubilee, it reflects on past achievements while embracing future innovations and interdisciplinary impact. Read more…

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Biological Macromolecules

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): SAS

    Session Chairs: Gloria Borgstahl & Duminda Liurukara

    Neutron scattering is a powerful tool to study the structure-function relationship of biomacromolecules and biomolecular complexes. Neutrons display a distinct sensitivity to the positions and motions of hydrogen atoms, the most abundant and elusive element found in biological systems, able to provide unique, complementary information to that gained from traditional structural biology techniques. Some capabilities of neutron scattering methods include that ability to locate individual hydrogen positions with atomic resolution, structural analysis of large-scale assemblies, and dynamics ranging from femto- to microsecond time scales. This session aims to highlight the exciting research benefiting from neutron-based structural techniques and bring attention to the advantages of using neutrons in structural biology.

  • ponsoring SIG(s): MicroED

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Small Molecule

    Session Chairs: Joseph Ferrara & Fernando Castro

    MicroED is becoming a mainstream technique for solving structures intractable to conventional X-ray diffraction techniques. Examples of materials that yielded to MicroED include MOFs, natural products and many other materials only available as a powder. In this half-day session, we will explore current trends in micro-electron diffractions and best practices for data collection, processing and refinement.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Powder

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Materials, Neutrons

    Session Chairs: Cheng Li & Saul Lapidus

    The development of increasingly complicated materials and devices has led to a need of an understanding of the behavior of these system in the conditions that they will operate under. As such research into these has required the development of in situ/operando diffraction techniques to monitor and track changes in crystalline structure, amorphous behavior, and morphology. These conditions can vary from variable temperature, electrochemical cycling, gas flow, catalysis, and many others, and may combine these environments in different combinations. This session is aimed at providing a forum for presentation of advances in combing different in situ environments along with different methodologies of structural characterization (from diffraction to spectroscopy to microscopy) over a wide range of length scales (short range amorphous to crystalline to particle morphology). Submissions are welcome from various disciplines and fields, as these approaches may be wide-ranging in their application.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Best Practices

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Service

    Session Chairs: Aaron Brewster & Dominika Borek

    This session focuses on methodologies and innovative techniques in the analysis and processing of crystallographic data. We are seeking contributions that present novel algorithms, software tools, and workflows that enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of data analysis in crystallography. Abstracts should cover topics such as data collection optimization, error reduction strategies, and data integration.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Cryo EM

    Session Chairs: Ed Eng & David Taylor

    Developments in cryoEM and cryoET methods and technology have revolutionized our ability to see the atomic structure of proteins and biological macromolecules in the cellular environment. In this session, we explore and discuss new developments in sample preparation and EM technologies that address current challenges and open doors to exciting areas of biology.

Evening Sessions

  • The three ACA Poster Sessions showcase cutting-edge research in crystallography and structural science through interactive, large-format displays. Presenters engage with attendees in dynamic discussions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the scientific community.

    The poster sessions are designed as a lively and engaging cocktail-style gathering, offering a perfect opportunity to connect and exchange ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. A selection of light bites and beverages will be available to enjoy, but please note that this is not a full dinner event. We encourage attendees to plan accordingly if they’d like a more substantial meal before or after the session. Our goal is to create a warm and social environment where meaningful conversations can flourish over refreshing drinks and delightful hors d’oeuvres.

  • Please note that pre-registration is required.

    8:00 PM - 10:00 PM CT | Offsite

    Sponsoring SIG(s): YSIG

    Session Chairs: Kara Zielinski

    The Young Scientists Interest Group (YSIG) Mixer is a special event organized by the ACA YSIG. This mixer is specifically designed for students and postdoctoral researchers, providing a platform for early-career scientists to network, share experiences, and foster collaborations within the structural science community. The event offers a relaxed and informal setting, encouraging attendees to connect with peers and established professionals in the field.

    The YSIG event is designed as a casual mixer rather than a formal dinner, providing an opportunity for attendees to connect and network in a relaxed setting. While there will be light drinks and appetizers available, it will not be a full meal. Guests are encouraged to plan accordingly and eat beforehand if needed to ensure they are comfortable throughout the event. The focus will be on engaging conversations and meaningful connections, so come ready to mingle and enjoy the evening!

Sunday, July 20th

Morning Sessions

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Industrial

    Session Chairs: Susmith Mukund & Elizabeth Sprague

    This session will focus on the application of cryo-EM, x-ray crystallography and complementary biophysical and computational methods to the discovery and optimization of various drug modalities. For decades, small molecules by far have been the preferred modality to tackle diseases. While the past couple of decades have seen an exciting influx of transformative therapeutic antibodies, today, several other "non-standard" entities such as PROTACs, antibody-like scaffolds, macrocycles, peptides, covalent modulators, to name a few, are being developed to address unmet medical needs. We welcome submissions showcasing relevant structural biology techniques to drug discovery.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Biological Macromolecules

    Session Chairs: George Lountos, Chhandosee Ganguly & James Moody

    The Hot Structures session will feature talks primarily selected from submitted abstracts describing the newest results from structural studies of biologically important macromolecules. Submissions are welcome that describe high-impact structures which provide new insights into biological phenomena, structure-function relationships, and methods development. Studies may include the use of X-ray crystallography, XFEL, CryoEM, Small Angle X-ray Scattering, or hybrid methods including those that incorporate predictive / computational modeling.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Cryo EM

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Best Practices

    Session Chairs: Joseph Davis & Alexis Rohou 

    Many challenges remain in the quest to fully unlock the potential of cryoEM for structural studies of biology. How can we resolve fine details of dynamic, flexible assemblies? What is the best way to study the structures of macromolecules in their native, cellular context? How can we control our instruments more efficiently for high-throughput, automated high-resolution imaging? What are the optimal methods for obtaining and validating accurate and reliable atomic models for molecules of interest? For these and many other challenges, the development of improved computational methods and algorithms remains a key stone of the field. This session will cover some of the latest computational work in cryoEM and cryoET.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Small Molecule

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Canadian Division

    Session Chairs: Dan Decato & Veronica Carta

    The intentional design and assembly of crystalline materials to control their physical and chemical properties (aka Crystal Engineering) is an interdisciplinary field. This session will encompass various experimental and theoretical topics centered on solid-state assembly including, but not limited to, supramolecular interactions, multicomponent crystal systems, polymorphism, and the mechanical properties of crystalline materials. The session aims to balance translational and fundamental studies showcasing the versatility and impact of crystal engineering across disciplines.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Powder

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Materials, Neutrons

    Session Chairs: Yuanpeng Zhang & Danielle Alverson 

    Total scattering encompasses both Bragg and diffuse scattering, enabling data analysis and modeling to extract structural information from both an average and local perspective. Since the resurgence of total scattering in the late 1980s, there has been a continuous emphasis on studying local disorder in various functional materials. This session aims to showcase recent applications of total scattering in investigating local disorder in energy storage materials, catalysts, magnetic systems, and other areas of interest. Furthermore, the session will explore recent and future advancements and challenges in instrumentation, data processing, analysis methodologies, and software tools. As the total scattering community continues to expand, this platform seeks to foster education, communication, and envision the future of the field.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Best Practices

    Session Chairs: Christopher Williams & Rakhi Rajan

    This session focuses on the integration of crystallographic data with predicted models obtained from AI-driven tools like AlphaFold and RosettaFold. Abstracts should highlight methodologies and best practices for combining experimental data and predicted models to improve the structure determination workflow. The session also welcomes case studies demonstrating the application and benefits of these combined techniques in resolving biological structures.

Lunch Sessions

  • 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM CT

    Join us in celebrating the 2025 Bau Neutron Diffraction Award recipient, Dr. Craig M. Brown. Read more…

  • 12:45 PM - 1:55 PM CT

    Please note that pre-registration is required and the max capacity for this event is 20 attendees.

    #IAmRemarkable is an initiative empowering women and other underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. Its goal is to improve the self promotion motivation and skills and challenge the social perception around self promotion. Many of us struggle to talk about and celebrate our accomplishments often due to cultural and gender norms. Through our facilitator sessions, #IAmRemarkable helps thousands of people learn the importance of self-promotion in their personal and professional life.

Afternoon Sessions

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Industrial

    Session Chairs: Babis Kalodimos & Susmith Mukund

    This session will focus on the application of cryo-EM, x-ray crystallography and complementary biophysical and computational methods to the discovery and optimization of various drug modalities. For decades, small molecules by far have been the preferred modality to tackle diseases. While the past couple of decades have seen an exciting influx of transformative therapeutic antibodies, today, several other "non-standard" entities such as PROTACs, antibody-like scaffolds, macrocycles, peptides, covalent modulators, to name a few, are being developed to address unmet medical needs. We welcome submissions showcasing relevant structural biology techniques to drug discovery.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Service

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Biological Macromolecules, Small Molecule, Young Scientist, Canadian Division, Best Practices

    Session Chairs: Dan Decato & Josh Chen

    Peer review is an indispensable part of the scientific publishing world. However, it is often overlooked in STEM programs, leaving many researchers to tackle this crucial process with limited training. As a result, they may lack formal education on how to effectively conduct a review, which can ultimately lead to their assignment as the dreaded "reviewer 2." This session aims to address various aspects of peer review, including how to handle requests, deciding whether to accept or reject manuscripts, providing constructive criticism, understanding the role of editors, distinguishing major and minor considerations, maintaining rational reviews, and effectively dealing with feedback. 

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Light Sources

    Session Chairs: Silvia  Russi & Vivian Stojanoff

    Modern technologies have brought new capabilities that allow us to explore a range of crucial questions starting with how extreme environments drive molecular adaptation and influence biological function in adverse settings. By exposing biological samples to a range of stresses like extreme heat, pressure, or acidity, we can discover previously unknown molecular states and their functional consequences. The vast array of genomic information offers a readily available and invaluable resource for a systematic study of the molecular effects of extreme conditions.

  • Session Chairs: Matt McLeod, Alexis Davidson & Zhen Xu

    General Interest sessions provide a platform for topics of broad relevance to structural science or for presentations that do not align with the specific themes of other sessions. All presentations are chosen from submitted abstracts.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Neutrons

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Materials, Powder

    Session Chairs: Keith Taddei, Duminda Sanjeewa & Yu Li

    This session will focus on topological, quantum, and correlated electron materials broadly, emphasizing the effects of structure and symmetries in generating novel properties and emergent phases. Example topics include time reversal symmetry breaking and magnetism; altermagnetism; symmetry protected topological phases; unconventional superconductivity; quantum spin liquids; Kagome/triangular/honeycomb lattices; and skyrmion materials. 

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Cryo EM

    Session Chairs: Juan Du & Benjamin Barad

    The ability to determine 3D structures of biological systems has skyrocketed due to recent advances in cryoEM. This section will focus on the use of  single particle cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography to understand the  molecular basis of biological processes.

Evening Sessions

  • The three ACA Poster Sessions showcase cutting-edge research in crystallography and structural science through interactive, large-format displays. Presenters engage with attendees in dynamic discussions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the scientific community.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Service

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): BioMac, Canadian Division, Powder, Small Molecule, Young Scientist

    Session Chairs: Matthew Brown & Scott Lee

    Is your structure too poor to publish? What compromises would you have to make to publish your "low quality" structure? Do you have some less then ideal powder data that you still think you can make something useful with? If you have ever asked yourself these questions, then share your problems, insights, structures, and advice with the crystallography community. This is a great opportunity for young crystallographers to share their work, where they can interact with a friendly audience, who with years of experience will provide constructive advice. Problems might include charge imbalance or other chemical issues, poor resolution or data completeness, complicated disorder, highly restrained models, unexplained residual electron density, suspicious of an incommensurate structure, etc. Talks in this session will be restricted to approximately 5 minutes in order to encourage audience participation and discussion. All talks will be selected from submitted abstracts. Those who submit abstracts to this session may still submit a second abstract to other sessions at no additional fee. This session is open to non-small molecule talks; Powder, protein and other types of crystallography are welcome! 

Monday, July 21st

Morning Sessions

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Best Practices

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Light Sources

    Session Chairs: Christine Beavers & Vivian Stojanoff, Justyna Wojdyla

    This session invites abstracts that address the challenges and solutions associated with handling large volumes of crystallographic data. We seek contributions that explore techniques for processing high data rates, data compression methods, and scalable storage solutions. We also welcome submissions on best practices for long-term data archiving, integration of automated systems, and the use of cloud-based platforms to manage high-throughput crystallographic experiments. Abstracts implementing FAIR principles of making crystallographic data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) to improve reproducibility in research are also welcomed. These contributions could explore strategies and tools for implementing FAIR principles in data archiving, including metadata standards, data sharing platforms, best practices for data documentation and case studies where FAIR data archiving has improved reproducibility.

  • Session Chairs: Alexis Davidson & Zhen Xu

    General Interest sessions provide a platform for topics of broad relevance to structural science or for presentations that do not align with the specific themes of other sessions. All presentations are chosen from submitted abstracts.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Powder

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Materials, Neutrons

    Session Chairs: Branton Campbell & Carol Brock

    This session will focus on current developments in the theoretical and computational crystallography to the prediction, modeling, determination, and rational understanding of crystalline materials and their properties.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Small Molecule

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Service

    Session Chairs: Anna  Krawczuk & Sylwia Pawledzio

    This session is open to all scientists, from hands-on practitioners to experts in method development, and especially welcomes end-users of quantum crystallographic techniques to present their experiences and findings. Topics may encompass any theoretical or practical applications of quantum mechanics in the study of crystalline materials. Presenters are encouraged to demonstrate how these techniques enhance agreement with experimental data, leading to deeper material insights. Research areas can include inorganic solids, molecular networks, organic and organometallic compounds, as well as large structures like proteins. 

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Biological Macromolecules

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): SAS

    Session Chairs: Tim Stachowski, Marcus Fischer & Kara Zielinski

    Proteins are notorious shapeshifters that change conformations in response to environmental cues like temperature, pH, and ligand binding. This flexibility often underpins biological processes like enzyme catalysis and signal transduction. Recent advances in technologies and modeling algorithms move beyond understanding protein structures as static images and closer to generating molecular movies of proteins throughout their active lifecycles. In turn, these experiments can reveal new opportunities to modulate protein function for therapeutics and biology. This session will focus on emerging methods for exploring protein flexibility, examples where flexibility reveals functional insights, and applications in modulating proteins and drug design.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): MicroED

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Best Practices

    Session Chairs: Brandon Mercado, Shao-Liang Zheng

    MicroED has been at the forefront of expanding the possibilities of structure models accessible through crystallography. Numerous efforts have been dedicated to enhancing the pipeline for delivering these results. This session will explore advancements in automation, covering a wide range of topics. We will delve into general improvements in data collection strategies, as well as groundbreaking developments in truly autonomous, high-throughput approaches to MicroED. Additionally, we will discuss simultaneous compositional analysis of complex samples, further broadening the capabilities of MicroED. Join us in this session to discover the latest automation advances in microcrystal electron diffraction. 

Lunch Sessions

  • 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM CT

    Join us in celebrating the 2025 Fankuchen Memorial Award recipient, Christos Malliakas. Read more…

Afternoon Sessions

  • Additional details and registration for this event will be available as the conference approaches. Secure your spot at the conference now and be sure to indicate your interest on the registration form!

    Attendees of the half-day field trip from ACA2025 to the APS (Advanced Photon Source) can expect an immersive and educational experience at one of the world’s most powerful synchrotron radiation facilities, located at Argonne National Laboratory.

Evening Sessions

  • The three ACA Poster Sessions showcase cutting-edge research in crystallography and structural science through interactive, large-format displays. Presenters engage with attendees in dynamic discussions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the scientific community.

  • Join us for an insightful and engaging meeting where you'll stay up-to-date on our association’s latest initiatives and connect with our vibrant community. This gathering offers members a chance to contribute to important discussions and helps non-members gain valuable insight into how we operate. Your presence and perspective matter—by attending, you play a role in shaping the future of our association. Whether you're a long-time member or new to our community, we welcome your participation in this meaningful conversation.

Tuesday, July 22nd

Morning Sessions

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Cryo EM

    Session Chairs: Melanie Ohi & Peter Hsu

    RNA, DNA, and nucleic acid-protein complexes remain challenging targets for structural biology. Nucleic acids are often structurally flexible even when complexed to their protein partners and it can be difficult to purify large enough quantities of stable nucleic acids or nucleic-protein complexes for conventional structural approaches such as NMR or X-ray crystallography. This session focuses on presenting approaches and techniques for using single particle cryo-EM to determine structures of dynamic nucleic acids and nucleic-protein complexes.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Biological Macromolecules

    Session Chairs: Jack Nicoludis & Vardhan  Satalkar

    New advancements in machine learning have recently and remarkably improved our ability to predict and design proteins. This session will explore the exciting field of protein design, where computational and experimental methods combine to engineer proteins with tailored structures and functions. A wide variety of topics will be covered, such as advancements in AI/ML methods in protein structure prediction and design, directed evolution and rational design, structural characterization of designed proteins, and applications of protein design, such as in synthetic biology, biomedical imaging, and drug discovery. The program is designed to address not only the technical challenges associated with protein design but also to enhance understanding of the relationship between protein structure, function, and dynamics, thereby expanding their range of applications in translational research.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Small Molecule

    Session Chairs: Kamran Ghiassi & Nichole Valdez

    This session will explore exciting developments in small molecule research, highlighting innovative designs, advanced techniques, and potential applications across various fields

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): MicroED

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Cryo EM

    Session Chairs: Brent Nannenga & Tamir Gonen  

    The use of cryo-EM is expanding with several techniques including single particle cryo-EM, MicroED, and cryo-electron tomography using the same instrumentation. The use of cryo-EM is expanding with several techniques including single particle cryo-EM, MicroED, and cryo-electron tomography using the same instrumentation. Many institutions are adding these technique to their suite of structure determination methods.This session will focus on experiences integrating and applying the different modalities of cryo-EM, and the best practices to ensure that all cryo-EM methods can coexist. 

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Fiber

    Session Chairs: Olga Antipova, Joseph Orgel & Rama Madhurapantula

    Explore the hidden world of neurodegenerative diseases through the lens of cutting-edge imaging techniques.

Lunch Sessions

  • 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM CT

    Join us in celebrating the 2025 Trueblood Award recipients, Professors Branton J. Campbell and Harold T. Stokes. Read more…

  • 12:45 PM - 1:55 PM CT

    Please note that pre-registration is required and the max capacity for this event is 20 attendees.

    #IAmRemarkable is an initiative empowering women and other underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. Its goal is to improve the self promotion motivation and skills and challenge the social perception around self promotion. Many of us struggle to talk about and celebrate our accomplishments often due to cultural and gender norms. Through our facilitator sessions, #IAmRemarkable helps thousands of people learn the importance of self-promotion in their personal and professional life.

  • 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM CT

    Sponsoring SIG(s): Industrial

    Session Chairs: Eddie Pryor & Melanie Adams Cioaba

    Join us for an engaging discussion as experienced industrial scientists share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the field. What makes a career in industry fulfilling? What key decisions shape professional growth and satisfaction? This session offers valuable insights for scientists at all stages, with a special focus on guidance for early-career professionals. Gain practical advice, explore diverse career paths, and learn what it takes to build a rewarding and impactful career in industrial science.

Afternoon Sessions

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Best Practices, SAS, MNP, Industrial, Light Sources

    Session Chairs: Daniel Olds, Emre Brookes & Debanu Das

    The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are revolutionizing various scientific domains, including materials science, chemistry, physics, biology, and others. This session aims to explore how AI and ML techniques can be utilized in structural science in applications ranging from data analysis, structure determination, structure-based drug discovery and materials characterization to facility operation and sample throughput.
    Submissions from all areas of structural science are welcome and could discuss challenges in AI/ML integration, present novel algorithms, or offer solutions for specific situations. Part 1 will focus on AI/ML applications to materials systems while Part 2 will focus on AI/ML applications to biological systems.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Small Molecule

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Industrial

    Session Chairs: Justin Newman & Luca Iuzzolino

    Understanding the various properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), including but not limited to physical, chemical, thermodynamic, kinetic, spectroscopic, mechanical, and surface properties, is of utmost importance to ensure a robust and reliable manufacture of small molecule drug products. This session aims to explore the ways that structure elucidation can impact our understanding of solid state properties and how they influence the manufacture of a robust drug product. Potential topics for this session could include drug substance form selection, properties (chemical or physical), polymorphism, and how these can potentially impact the design of a final drug product.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): General Interest

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Small Molecule, Best Practices

    Session Chairs: Joe Tanski, Yinka Olatunji-Ojo &  Susanna Huang

    This session is focused on how to effectively engage students at any level with crystallography in teaching, outreach and research. Specific topics may include student training and mentoring, pedagogy and building crystallography teaching infrastructure, strategies for faculty professional success in research involving crystallography, effective involvement of students at synchrotron facilities, outreach programs to attract the interest of students to crystallography and structural biology, approaches towards instrument acquisition and maintaining resources for engaging students with crystallography.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): MicroED

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Biological Macromolecules

    Session Chairs: Michael Martynowycz & Johan Hattne

    Building on the interplay between cutting-edge electron microscopy and minuscule crystal sizes, Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED) has become an indispensable tool for high-resolution structure determination of biological macromolecules and drug discovery. This session delves into unveiling newly determined macromolecular and new pharmaceutical structures facilitated by MicroED. Attendees will gain insights into the capabilities and future directions of MicroED in solving complex biological structures, from advances in data collection and processing to tackling previously intractable problems in structural biology and drug discovery. 

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Small Angle Scattering

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): BioMac

    Session Chairs: Robert Monsen & Alexander Yarawsky

    This session will showcase recent advancements in leveraging small-angle scattering (SAS) data in combination with orthogonal biophysical, biochemical, and computational methods to elucidate complex biological structures that are challenging for traditional approaches like X-ray diffraction, NMR, or cryo-EM. The examples will include, but are not limited to, studies on higher-order molecular assemblies, their structures, and dynamics. The focus will be on how these integrative models enhance our understanding of the spatio-temporal environment of the human cell.

  • Sponsoring SIG(s): Materials

    Co-Sponsoring SIG(s): Neutrons, Powder

    Session Chairs: Athena Chen & Hao Liu

    Structural characterizations of the next-generation energy materials are crucial for establishing precise relationships between chemistry, synthesis procedures, performance, and stability. This session invites works that apply in-depth structural characterizations on emerging energy materials for applications such as batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaics, thermoelectrics, piezoelectric devices, etc. Submissions may be steady-state or time-resolved structural studies of crystalline or amorphous energy materials, to understand the phase evolution during synthesis, structure-property relationships, degradation mechanisms, and other related aspects.

Evening Sessions

  • Join us as we conclude our 75th Annual Meeting celebration with a closing banquet, an evening of elegance, reflection, and camaraderie. This special event honors 75 meetings of groundbreaking discoveries, collaboration, and progress in the field. Like a diamond—strong, multifaceted, and enduring—our community has thrived through decades of innovation and discovery. Enjoy a night of fine dining, new friends and shared memories as we commemorate our past and look ahead to a future as brilliant as the crystals we study. Let’s raise a glass to the next 75 meetings!

    Read more about all we have in store!