Sigma Xi

How Sigma Xi Advances Science

Each Sigma Xi chapter advances science it its own way at the institution where it is located. For example, the Kansas State University Chapter of Sigma Xi has an annual award banquet in which new members are honored, awards are presented, and a member or guest speaks on a scientific topic that is of interest to the audience. Awards are given for excellence in the teaching of science in secondary education, for travel by a student to a scientific meeting to present research results, for research excellence by a graduate student as judged by a thesis, and for excellence in research by a junior member and by a senior member based on professional publications. The junior member and senior member each present their research to the members and the university community at a seminar sometime during the following 12 months. In addition, Science Café events are held to encourage dialog and public understanding on science topics of public interest such as stem cells.

The national office of Sigma Xi provides some financial support for chapter delegates so that the annual Sigma Xi meeting typically includes one or more representatives from most of the chapters. The annual meetings include lectures and forums to advance scientific understanding on important topics, as well as action on the affairs of the society.

National awards are presented for research achievement and for excellence in the communication of science to the general public. More than 200 members, who have won Nobel Prizes, are commemorated in the Hall of Honor, which is in the Sigma Xi Center, at Research Triangle Park. Each year about 30 members are selected to give lectures through the distinguished lectureship program. Sigma Xi operates a Media Resource Service to connect journalists with scientists and engineers who are willing to be interviewed for news and feature stories.

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