Sigma Xi Science Cafés

Sigma Xi is leading a revolution in communicating science in the U.S. This revolution is taking place in cafés, bars, bookstores, libraries, museums and theaters. Science Cafés help the public connect with science. Scientists and engineers informally share their research during a conversational exchange in a friendly setting. Through working with key partners, encouraging members to participate and supporting its chapters, Sigma Xi continues to be at the forefront of promoting and supporting Science Cafés around the country.

One of these key Café partners is WGBH. In association with Sigma Xi, the WGBH Educational Foundation has launched a comprehensive Web site at www.sciencecafes.org. This site was created with the help and input of many Science Café organizers, following the first national conference of Science Café organizers held at the Sigma Xi Center in 2006. At this Web site, Café organizers will find resources and ideas to help in all aspects of planning and promoting these events—from publicizing and supporting them, to choosing topics, speakers and venues. Free resources include an interactive map of Science Café sites around the country and short clips presented in the PBS television series NOVA scienceNOW, produced by WGBH.

Sigma Xi Resources
One possible good source to find Café speakers is a local Sigma Xi chapter. The Society's network of more than 500 diverse chapters extends across North America and beyond. Our chapters are, in turn, networks of members—researchers from the entire span of scientific and engineering disciplines. Sigma Xi chapters continue to spearhead the best in Science Café content, format and venues. Any Sigma Xi chapter might be a source of guest speakers for your own Science Café. Click here to find and contact a Sigma Xi chapter in your area.

If you would like to learn more about how Sigma Xi can help you organize a Science Café or if you are looking for a Sigma Xi Scientist to participate in an upcoming Science Café, please e-mail scicafe@sigmaxi.org or call 800-243-6534.

Especially for Sigma Xi Chapter Officers
Sigma Xi chapter officers have exclusive access to our Science Café Kit-one-stop-shopping for all your science café organizing needs. It covers all the nuts and bolts, including essentials such as FAQs, what makes a successful Science Café, choosing topics, speakers and venues, and publicizing and supporting your Science Café event. A series of 16 templates includes cut-and-paste letter samples for essential communications such as invitations, press releases, thank-you letters, and even pre-formatted spreadsheets to track contacts and volunteers.

Click here for Sigma Xi Chapter Officer access to the Science Café Kit

Along with their other activities at your chapter, Sigma Xi's Distinguished Lecturers are ideal speakers for your Science Café. These outstanding individuals at the leading edge of science are especially good at communicating with the general public. Distinguished Lecturers are selected for their experience in shaping presentations to convey their insights and excitement to particular audiences. (Please note it is customary for the host of a Distinguished Lecturer to cover all travel costs and a modest honorarium.) Click here for the list of 2007-2008 Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturers.

For more information and help organizing a Science Café, please contact scicafe@sigmaxi.org or 800-243-6534. Please share your successes (and lessons learned) or any suggestions you might have about the Science Café Kit or these Web pages.