The French Crystallography Association (AFC) is a learned society, which brings together scientists, mainly biologists, chemists, and physicists, who use crystals and crystallography for their research or develop experimental or theoretical methods in crystallography. Originally part of the French Mineralogy Society, the AFC was founded in 1953 and is governed by the 1901 Associations Act. Today, its main missions are to promote the exchange of knowledge and interactions between French-speaking crystallographers of all disciplines, in particular by organizing thematic or interdisciplinary symposia and through teaching and training activities. Any event which has a link with crystallography in the broadest sense can be sponsored by the AFC.
The AFC is organized according three thematic groups: Biology, Chemistry: structure and reactivity, and Condensed Matter Physics, which are also represented in its Executive Committee. Three interdisplinary and transverse axes complete the organization of the AFC: 'crystal growth', 'education in crystallography', and 'large-scale facilities'. During its biannual conferences, the AFC awards the André Guinier Prize and three PhD Prizes.
At the international level, the AFC designates members of the French National Crystallography Committee to be part of the French Committee of International Scientific Unions (COFUSI), representing France at the International Council for Science (ICSU), whose current headquarters and presidency are in France. The National Crystallography Committee represents France at the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr).
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