Sigma Xi invites abstract and proposal submissions for its 2021 Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference, featuring the theme Roots to Fruits: Responsible Research for a Flourishing Humanity – How scientific virtues serve society. The conference is an international forum for researchers, ethicists, educators, and science communicators to examine what it means to conduct ethical, responsible research across science and engineering disciplines.
Advancing the research enterprise for the purpose of improving the human condition is deeply rooted in the core values that govern research practices, such as curiosity, honesty, humility to evidence, perseverance, skepticism, objectivity, meticulousness, equality, and attentiveness. Collectively, these values lead to scientific integrity, which ultimately comes to fruition as new knowledge and technologies for the betterment of humanity. The conference will showcase emerging trends and challenges across a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to, responsible conduct of research, ethical considerations in the design and implementation of new technologies, social responsibilities of researchers, and the public’s confidence in science and their views on scientific discoveries. In addition, the conference program will include sessions in the recurring tracks: Science Communication, Education, and Public Engagement and Research Enterprise and Professional Development.
The program committee invites submissions for sessions and presentations including symposia, oral and/or poster research presentations, panel discussions, and workshops. Conference program submissions are open to all scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, ethicists, and communicators worldwide. Membership in Sigma Xi is not required for contributing to or attending the Annual Meeting. Contributed content will be scheduled, either virtually or in-person, for either November 5 or November 6, 2021.
Table of Contents
The Program Committee invites multi- and interdisciplinary abstracts for symposia, workshops, panel discussions, and individual professional oral and poster research presentations in the following conference tracks:
Responsible Research and Discovery: Sessions and case studies on the broader societal impact of scientific discoveries and emerging issues in scientific integrity from different perspectives, including researchers, policymakers, and funding agencies.
Responsible STEM Education: Sessions that focus on the cultivation of the scientific character virtues and values; examine the role of the scientific community in protecting science education against policies that undermine scientific evidence; and introduce a comprehensive approach to STEM education that addresses equity and inclusion and promotes excellence in research.
Responsible Technology Innovation: Sessions that examine how to build values into the design process, including emerging ethical challenges associated with new technologies such as gene editing, artificial intelligence, robotics, data mining and privacy, and facial recognition.
General Research Ethics: Sessions on the broader ethical challenges facing the research community such as science and human rights, implicit biases, making the case for basic research, ethic of transitional medical research, authorship, intellectual property, and environmental ethics.
Science Communication, Education, and Public Engagement: Sessions on the science and best practices of science communication, social responsibilities of researchers in engaging with the public and policy makers, ethical considerations in Citizen Science, and integrating ethics training in STEM education.
Research Enterprise and Professional Development: Sessions on pursuing both academic and non-academic STEM careers, cultivating effective interdisciplinary collaborations, leadership training, science policy, publishing, mentorship, and diversity & inclusion.
1. Symposia
Symposia proposals are accepted in any of the tracks described above. Proposals should not exceed 500 words. Each symposium should consist of a series of research presentations focused on one of the conference topics, emphasizing relevant issues, and featuring speakers from multiple institutions. Symposia will be held concurrently; with each symposium featuring any combination of the following formats:
Symposium Length: Symposia organizers will choose either 60- or 90-minutes time blocks based on their proposed content.
Symposium Chair: proposal submitter will serve as the symposium chair, the main contact, and liaison between the program committee and symposium presenters. The chair will collect abstracts for the symposium, introduce speakers, and facilitate discussions with the audience.
2. Workshops
Workshop abstracts are accepted in any of the six tracks described above. Workshops should include interactive activities and opportunities to engage participants in an active learning environment. Workshops may be facilitated by one presenter or a team of presenters. Abstracts should include biographies of workshop presenter(s). Workshops may run for 90-minutes or two hours. Abstracts should not exceed 250 words, excluding presenters’ biographies.
3. Panel Discussions
Abstracts for panel discussions are accepted on any of the six tracks described above. Each panel will be facilitated by a moderator and feature 3-4 panelists who will offer perspectives on the topic and address questions from the audience. The organizer may or may not serve as the panel moderator. Abstracts should include biographies of the moderator and proposed panelists. Abstracts should not exceed 250 words, excluding panelists’ biographies.
4. Professional Research Presentations Abstracts
Abstracts for oral and poster presentations are accepted on any of the six tracks described above. Poster presentations in general research areas that reflect the multidisciplinary membership of Sigma Xi are also accepted. Oral presentations will run for 30 minutes, including 5-10 min for Q&A, and will be integrated in one of the conference tracks based on the subject matter. Abstracts should not exceed 250 words.
All submissions will be peer reviewed by the Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference Program Committee. The committee reserves the right to accept, decline, or suggest edits on all submissions. Abstracts will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
Content
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Relevance to the meeting theme and tracks
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Contributions to advancement of knowledge in the field of interest
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Application of innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to address research questions
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Appeal to broader audiences
Structure and Organization
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Variety and creativity of presentation formats
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Opportunities to engage conference participants
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Comprehensive coverage of the proposed topic
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For symposia and panel discussions proposals, a broad range of speakers and panelists who are diverse in gender, ethnicity, experiences, and expertise
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Friday, April 16, 2021: Deadline to submit abstracts and session proposals
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Monday, May 10, 2021: Decision notifications sent to contributors
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Monday, May 24, 2021: Deadline for symposia organizers to submit revisions, final list of speakers, and abstracts
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Contributed sessions will be held November 5-6, 2021 during the Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference in Niagara Falls, New York
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Program Committee liaison Eman Ghanem: eghanem@sigmaxi.org. We look forward to receiving your submissions.