ACA Field Trip to the Advanced Photon Source

The Advanced Photon Source (APS) at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory provides ultra-bright, high-energy X-ray beams for research in almost all scientific disciplines. (https://www.aps.anl.gov/About/Overview). The APS recently underwent major upgrades and can now generate X-ray beams up to 500 times brighter than before, making the APS one of the most powerful research tools in the world. The facility delivered its first light to a scientific beamline on June 17, 2024. The process of commissioning each of the beamlines scattered across the 35 sectors is rapidly proceeding, with all 71 beamlines expected to be operational over the course of the next year.

With the 75th ACA Annual Meeting being held less than 30 minutes away from the APS, we have worked with the directors of the APS and beamline scientists to provide a unique opportunity for ACA meeting attendees to tour the newly upgraded facility just as it is coming back online. On the afternoon of Monday, July 21, 2025, the ACA will bus up to 200 participants to the APS. Those participants will be given a boxed lunch and pre-sorted into twenty groups of ten individuals. The first ten groups will participate in three beamline tours, while the remaining ten will observe from two designated overview points above. Afterward, the groups will switch roles.

Registration Process

Join us for an exciting field trip to the Advanced Photon Source (APS) during ACA2025! This exclusive opportunity offers participants a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world's most powerful synchrotron radiation facilities. You'll explore cutting-edge research in crystallography and structural biology, meet leading scientists, and witness firsthand how high-brilliance X-rays are used to unlock the secrets of materials and molecules. Whether you're a student, researcher, or crystallography enthusiast, this field trip is a unique chance to connect science with real-world applications and inspire your next discovery. Don’t miss out—spaces are limited!

It is the sole responsibility of each participant to have completed all of the previous steps outlined below. The ACA is not liable for any participant's failure to submit the required paperwork or bring the appropriate identification on the day of the trip. If a participant arrives unprepared, they will not be granted access to the facility and will be required to remain on the bus for the duration of the visit.

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COMPLETE STEP ONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE:

Complete the ACA Field Trip Registration Form

During registration, attendees will be asked to rank their preferred tour topics—Macromolecular Crystallography, Chemical Crystallography, Powder Diffraction, and Materials Characterization—and to note any dietary restrictions.

Please note: Only the first 200 approved registrants will be guaranteed a spot. Guests are welcome to attend but must submit a separate ACA Field Trip Registration form and complete all required steps outlined by APS.

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STEP TWO TO BE COMPLETED BY MAY 31, 2025:

Apply for an APS Visitors Pass

If you plan to visit the Advanced Photon Source (APS), you must complete the required registration steps in advance. These steps vary slightly depending on your citizenship status. All participants—U.S. citizens and foreign nationals—must register for a Visitor Pass by May 31, 2025, and complete the GERT safety training by June 30, 2025. Foreign nationals who are not current APS users must also register as a user by May 31, 2025. During this process, you’ll need to provide personal information including your immigration documentation, an ORCiD identifier, and a current CV/resume. Please follow all steps carefully to ensure your access is approved in time.

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STEP THREE (Only for foreign national attendees) TO BE COMPLETED BY MAY 31, 2025:

Apply to be a APS Beamline User

The APS can only host foreign national tour participants that are registered as APS users.

  1. Go to https://beam.aps.anl.gov/pls/apsweb/ufr_main_pkg.usr_start_page and click on either the New User or Returning User option, as best fits your situation.

  2. Fill in the requested information and click SUBMIT. Note the following:

    • DO NOT begin until you have your immigration and naturalization documents available that establish both your identity and legal immigration status (e.g., passport, visa, EAD card, I-20, DS-2019, I-797, or other supplemental documentation).

    • All users will need an ORCiD identifier to complete the registration.

    • The Department of Energy requires current and complete CVs/resumes with your registration form. Click here for CV requirements and information.

    • If you do not find your Employer/Affiliation in the list of approved Employer/Affiliations, your institution may not have a user agreement in place, and you will need to initiate that process.

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STEP FOUR TO BE COMPLETED BY JUNE 30, 2025:

Complete GERT Training

All attendees are required to complete the GERT (General Environmental Response Training) by June 30th. This training is essential for ensuring that everyone is equipped with the necessary knowledge and protocols for responding to environmental hazards safely and effectively. Completion of the training by the deadline is mandatory for compliance and continued participation in field activities. Please prioritize this requirement.