Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society
University of Minnesota Chapter

2011-2013

It is a privilege to serve the Minnesota chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, the global honor society of science and engineering that recognizes scientific achievement(http://www.sigmaxi.org/chapters/web/minnesota).

In summary, our plan is for continuity and change: continuity with chapter activities that work well and positive change to enable growth of our membership with a vision for the future noted next to bring productive change with new opportunities to more effectively serve the emerging needs of our membership.

We are building on strong foundations as plan for the future together to continue to recognize and honor excellence in scientific and engineering research throughout Minnesota.

What is next?

Roadmap for the next three years:

The next steps in achieving this goal and serving the mission of Sigma Xi will come, in part, from the development of a three-year roadmap to involve our membership and community in developing this strategic plan for our chapter's increased impact. Whatever directions may emerge from the strategic plan, our chapter remains committed to science and engineering community that we serve and to the principles that define Sigma Xi and to provide vision for the future.

That commitment includes the following components:

• Increased Engagement: The chapter leadership and membership of Sigma Xi are integral to the success of our Society, and your ideas, insight and perspective are essential for our efforts to be worthwhile. We are committed to making positive change, and we'll request your participation in an upcoming short survey to help us gather information and plan for the future. We can't do this without your input, ideas and support. Your participation is paramount to the success of our planning efforts and launch of new initiatives.
• Increased Membership: We have over 300 members and plan to increase our membership with your active participation and commitment to identifying and nominating top-notch talent at all pertinent levels (undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs and research staff, faculty members and top professional scientists and engineers) in Minnesota.
• Seminar Series: Continue to excel in delivering world-class speakers for Sigma Xi seminars and partnering with the national organization.
• Increase the talent pipeline: Solicit nominations for membership, annual awards, volunteers/nominations for chapter Executive Committee positions for the next years, coordinate Sigma Xi's participation in UofM Undergraduate Symposium, and receive membership nominations.

From a broader perspective, I am often asked "What does Sigma Xi mean in the context of the early 21st Century, and especially at a major research university that presents a plethora of opportunities for scholars and students to learn about other disciplines in science and engineering?" Part of the answer is to appreciate the transformative power of science and technology and their role in positively shaping societies and improving quality of life throughout the world. During the past ten millennia, fundamental understandings gained through scientific discovery and enabled by innovation and its management—sometimes planned! - have provided us the tools to ascend from savagery to civilization.

The 20th Century in particular marked a period of technology triumphs. Electrification, telecommunications and the Internet, fast and efficient transportation, modern medicine, scientific agriculture, and other advances changed—and continue to change—the conditions of human life all around the globe. In little more than 100 years, the average human lifespan nearly doubled. Many times greater still have been the new opportunities and possibilities afforded by technology to each individual during that longer life. It is clear that science and technology are major driving forces in shaping global society.

So what can we do together in Minnesota to help positively shape this future? We'll enhance membership value and increase member retention. If we looked at the "products" we offer, in addition to an iconic brand and the highly informative American Scientist magazine, we have a revitalized membership with increased connectivity to the Sigma Xi network (both digitally via LinkedIn and in-person through seminars and meetings), and in turn grow a stronger Society of the Sigma Xi.

Sincerely,
Dr. Massoud Amin
Chapter President, 2011-2013