November 02, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC —Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society is pleased to announce the 2026 cohort of Sigma Xi Fellows, a distinguished group of 21 members recognized for sustained contributions to scientific research, leadership, and service to the Society.
The Fellows program of Sigma Xi recognizes members who have achieved exceptional results in research or engineering, demonstrated sustained scholarship and mentorship, and contributed significantly to the mission of the Society. This year’s cohort underscores the interdisciplinary strength of Sigma Xi’s membership, representing diverse fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and institutions across academia, government, and industry.
“Being named a Sigma Xi Fellow represents the very best of our scientific research community," said Jamie Vernon, executive director and CEO of Sigma Xi. "These individuals' dedication to research, mentorship, and the advancement of science has made a lasting impact throughout their careers”
The 2026 Fellows will be formally inducted in a virtual ceremony at the Society’s annual meeting, the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE). The ceremony will take place November 7 at 12:10 p.m. ET, followed by a virtual networking session connecting the fellows with student attendees at the conference.
Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, is one of the world’s oldest and largest organizations honoring excellence in scientific research. With more than 500 chapters worldwide and a multidisciplinary membership of scientists, engineers, and scholars, Sigma Xi fosters integrity in research and advocates for the role of science in improving the human condition.
Congratulations to the 2026 Sigma Xi Fellows:
Lise Abrams
For her exemplary career investigating language and memory processes in younger and older adults, and service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Bruce Alberts
For his exemplary career investigating the protein complexes that enable chromosome replication, his advancement of science and society through public service, and for leadership within Sigma Xi.
Paschalis Alexandridis
For his exemplary career investigating sustainable materials, self-assembly, recycling, and environmentally responsible processes, and for service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
David A. Bader
For his exemplary career pioneering high-performance computing and graph analytics, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
James Bidlack
For his exemplary career investigating plant physiology, enzymology, phytoremediation, and solar-energy conversion using plant pigments, and for service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Kelly Crowe
For her exemplary career investigating gene therapy biomarkers for GNE myopathy and the molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy, and for her service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
John Davis
For his exemplary career investigating forest genomics, tree-pathogen coevolution, and forest ecosystem health, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Casimer DeCusatis
For his exemplary career pioneering cybersecurity and robotics programs, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Gregory M. Ferrence
For his exemplary career investigating crystal engineering, X-ray crystallography, metal-organic chemistry, and for his significant contributions to Sigma Xi’s mission.
Peter J. Hansen
For his exemplary career investigating reproductive physiology and the effects of heat stress on fertility in dairy and beef cattle, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Terry L. Helser
For his exemplary career investigating aminoglycoside antibiotic resistance, ribosomal RNA processing, and prostate-cancer biology, and for service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Germano Iannacchione
For his exemplary career investigating thermo-physical properties of order-disorder phenomena in soft-matter materials, colloids, and composites, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Mercouri G. Kanatzidis
For his exemplary career pioneering halide perovskite solar cells and thermoelectric materials, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Simon A. Levin
For his exemplary career investigating ecosystems, disease dynamics, and ecological-socioeconomic systems, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Linda F. Marchant
For her exemplary career investigating chimpanzee and bonobo behavior, handedness, tool use, and social behavior, and for service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Steve W. Martin
For his exemplary career investigating glassy and amorphous solid-state materials, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Bruce A Menge
For his exemplary career investigating marine community and meta-ecosystem ecology, physiological ecology, and the impacts of climate change, and for service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Danny D. Reible
For his exemplary career investigating contaminated-sediment fate, transport, and management, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Bonnie Shulman
For her exemplary career investigating wave propagation, solar physics, and mathematical modeling, providing a feminist critique of mathematics and science, and for service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Robert W. Thacker
For his exemplary career investigating sponge-microbe symbioses and marine sponge phylogenetics in tropical reef systems, and for his service and leadership within Sigma Xi.
Paul S. Weiss
For his exemplary career investigating chemistry, nanoscience, bioengineering, and materials science and for significant contributions to Sigma Xi’s mission and service to the Society throughout his career.