2025 ACA Award Announcements
2025 ACA Award Announcements
Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award: Dr. Dmitry Lyumkis
The ACA is proud to recognize Dr. Dmitry Lyumkis with the 2025 Margaret C. Etter Early Career Award for his groundbreaking contributions to structural biology and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Dr. Lyumkis has advanced our understanding of infectious disease mechanisms, particularly HIV, through high-resolution structural insights into key viral protein complexes and their interactions with host cells.
A standout in both research and methodology, Dr. Lyumkis was among the first to resolve the structure of the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein trimer, a pivotal breakthrough in vaccine development. His lab has since uncovered how viral intasomes integrate into host chromatin, how antiviral drugs block this process, and how resistance to therapy evolves. His innovations in cryo-EM, especially in overcoming sample preparation and validation challenges, have become widely adopted tools within the structural biology community.
Currently an Associate Professor at The Salk Institute and holder of the Hearst Foundations Chair, Dr. Lyumkis exemplifies the spirit of the Etter Award through his innovative science, leadership in the field, and profound impact on structural biology at large. We are honored to celebrate his achievements as a rising leader in the global scientific community.
Robert Bau Neutron Award: Dr. Craig M. Brown
The ACA is proud to present the 2025 Robert Bau Neutron Diffraction Award to Dr. Craig M. Brown, in recognition of his pioneering work in neutron scattering and structural analysis of energy-relevant materials. A NIST Fellow and Director of the Center for High-Resolution Neutron Scattering (CHRNS), Dr. Brown has led groundbreaking research into hydrogen storage, gas separation, and catalysis—especially through his studies of microporous materials like MOFs and zeolites.
With over 250 published technical papers, Dr. Brown's work has deeply influenced both academic and applied research communities. His career is distinguished by collaboration across DOE national labs and universities, and by a commitment to education and mentorship through CHRNS, the premier neutron research center in North America.
Dr. Brown’s many honors—including the Samuel Wesley Stratton Award, the DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program R&D Award, the PECASE Award, and the Neutron Scattering Society of America Science Prize—underscore the lasting impact of his contributions to neutron diffraction and materials science. We are honored to celebrate Dr. Brown's extraordinary career and enduring influence on the field.
Fankuchen Memorial Award: Professor Chris D. Malliakas
Chris D. Malliakas will receive the ACA Fankuchen Memorial Award in recognition of his significant contributions to crystallographic research and his dedication to teaching in the field. As the Director of Crystallography, Director of Physical Characterization, and Research Associate Professor at the Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research Center (IMSERC) at Northwestern University, Malliakas has demonstrated expertise in solving complex structural problems, including modulated structures, amorphous compounds, supercells, twinning, and disorders. His work extends beyond single-crystal analysis, having transformed structural elucidation capabilities at Northwestern University into a dynamic learning environment where he actively trains future structural scientists. His dedication to both advancing crystallographic methodologies and educating the next generation of researchers exemplifies the essence of the Fankuchen Award, which honors those who contribute to crystallographic research while being effective educators.
Kenneth N. Trueblood Award: Professor Branton J. Campbell and Professor Harold T. Stokes
The ACA is proud to present the 2025 Robert Bau Neutron Diffraction Award to Dr. Craig M. Brown, in recognition of his pioneering work in neutron scattering and structural analysis of energy-relevant materials. A NIST Fellow and Director of the Center for High-Resolution Neutron Scattering (CHRNS), Dr. Brown has led groundbreaking research into hydrogen storage, gas separation, and catalysis—especially through his studies of microporous materials like MOFs and zeolites.
With over 250 published technical papers, Dr. Brown's work has deeply influenced both academic and applied research communities. His career is distinguished by collaboration across DOE national labs and universities, and by a commitment to education and mentorship through CHRNS, the premier neutron research center in North America.
Dr. Brown’s many honors—including the Samuel Wesley Stratton Award, the DOE Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program R&D Award, the PECASE Award, and the Neutron Scattering Society of America Science Prize—underscore the lasting impact of his contributions to neutron diffraction and materials science. We are honored to celebrate Dr. Brown's extraordinary career and enduring influence on the field.
The ACA values the active engagement of our members, who play a crucial role in nominating highly qualified individuals for ACA awards. We rely on the expertise and discernment of our membership to identify and put forth deserving candidates who exemplify excellence in their respective fields. Click the link below to learn about the ACA’s nomination process.