The Central Arkansas Chapter of the Society of Sigma Xi is committed to promoting excellence in Science and Engineering and invites you join our chapter. Listed below are some of the highlights and benefits of membership in the Society of Sigma Xi.

Sigma Xi (Xi is pronounced with a "Z" sound—"Zi"—as in "xylophone") was founded in 1886 to honor excellence in scientific investigation and encourage a sense of companionship and cooperation among researchers in all fields of science and engineering. Sigma Xi is an international, multidisciplinary research society with nearly 55,000 members in more than 100 countries around the world. The interdisciplinary nature of Sigma Xi chapters allows members to interact with colleagues and address a wide range of issues that bridge the scientific disciplines.
Sigma Xi promotes the health of the scientific enterprise and honors scientific achievement.
There are more than 500 Sigma Xi chapters that can be found at colleges and universities, industrial research centers and government laboratories. The Society endeavors to encourage support of original work across the spectrum of science and technology and promotes an appreciation within the society at large for the role research has played in human progress.
Sigma Xi exerts its greatest influence through the programs and activities of its more than 500 chapters. Truly a grass-roots organization, Sigma Xi boasts an array of chapter activities that have noticeable impact not only at the local level, but also at the national and international levels.
Sigma Xi programs are administered directly through its chapters; some long-standing programs of the Society are central to its overall mission.
Some of the many benefits of joining this society include a subscription to the American Scientist magazine, the Grants-in-Aid of Research Program, a number of prestigious annual prizes and awards and attending the list of the college of Distinguished Lecturers. The growing portfolio of Sigma Xi programs also includes newer offerings that capitalize on the Society's unique strengths and characteristics, such as the Media Resource Service and the Sigma Xi Postdoc Survey. Sigma Xi members are eligible for discounts on subscriptions to Nature and Annual Reviews as well as a 10% discount on all Sigma Xi publications and merchandise.
The Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference has become a dynamic gathering for hundreds of leading researchers and students, featuring workshops, research presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities over several days. Attending the Annual meeting provides opportunities to network with research colleagues and contribute to programs that impact local communities and institutions.


Some of the activities of the Central Arkansas Chapter of the Society of Sigma Xi are listed below.
1. Sigma Xi Seminar Series.
Monthly seminars with distinguished local and internationally known scientists are held at the following locations:
a. National Center for Toxicological Research
b. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
c. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
d. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
e. Harding University
f. University of Central Arkansas
2. Sponsorship of Local Science Fairs.
Best scientific student poster awards are sponsored and selected by a Sigma Xi panel of judges at each of the following science fairs:
a. Central Arkansas Regional Science Fair
b. Arkansas Science and Engineering Fair
c. UAPB Science Expo
d. UALR Undergraduate Expo
e. Southeast Arkansas Regional Science Fair
3. Central Arkansas Brain Bee.
The Central Arkansas Brain Bee is co-sponsored with the Arkansas Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience. The winner of the Central Arkansas Brain Bee attends the National Brain Bee.
4. Sigma Xi Fall Banquet and Distinguished Lecture.
The Sigma Xi fall banquet is held in November at a local site decided by the chapter Executive Committee. A prominent scientist of national prestige is typically invited to speak at the banquet.
5. Sigma Xi Spring Banquet and Debate and/or Poster Competition
The Sigma Xi Spring Banquet is held in April. The event is accompanied by either a student poster competition or a student debate.
The 2010 Spring Banquet included a poster competition for undergraduate and graduate students. Winners in both categories were awarded by Sigma Xi. A debate on a topic of national urgency is planned for the 2011 Spring Banquet. Participating high schools will hold a preliminary round and the finals will be held at the Sigma Xi Annual Spring Banquet.