The French Crystallographic Association (Association française de cristallographie) brings together physicists, chemists and biologists that use crystals and crystallography in their research or develop new crystallographic methods. Originally part of the French Society of Mineralogy, the AFC was founded in 1953 by Hubert Curien and André Guinier.
Today, its main goals are to promote dissemination of knowledge and exchange between French speaking crystallographers from all fields, and in particular to organize or support specialized or interdisciplinary workshops and conferences, educational actions and training courses in the area of crystallography. During the biannual AFC conferences, the AFC awards three PhD prizes in each of its research areas: Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Claude Sauter, scientist at the Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire in Strasbourg is the President of the AFC from January 1st, 2022.
Former presidents
- Claude Sauter (2022-2025)
- Philippe Guionneau (2017-2021)
- René Guinebretière (2013-2016)
- Jacqueline Cherfils (2011-2013)
- Jean-Claude Daran (2008-2010)
- Jean-Louis Hodeau (2003-2007)
- Claude Lecomte (1997-2002)
- Roger Fourme (1994-1997)
- Massimo Marezio (1990-1993)
- Michel Hospital (1987-1990)
- Jean-François Petroff (1984-1987)
- Jean Meinnel (1981-1983)
- Stanislas Goldstaub
- Jean Wyart
- Robert Gay
- André Guinier (president of the International Union of Crystallography from 1969 to 1972)