KEYED IN

Welcome to Keyed In, the blog of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society. This will be the go-to place for Sigma Xi members and others to learn about what’s happening in the science and engineering industry. We will share thoughts and perspectives related to Sigma Xi’s mission, including ideas that deal with the health of the research enterprise, integrity in science and engineering, and public understanding of science, as they contribute to improving the human condition. We will give updates about the remarkable work conducted by Sigma Xi chapters, which are spread across the globe. We will report on trends in research and anticipate where the industry is going. And, we will offer advice to young scientists and engineers. Our ultimate goal is to provide useful information that will lead to a more connected and more effective research community.

Sigma Xi Speaks: Eclipse Party Planner

by Jamie Vernon | Aug 16, 2017

It's not too late to plan a solar eclipse watch party with your family, friends, or Sigma Xi chapter. These ideas will help make your party a total success.
Call for Nominations: October Madness 2017

by Heather Thorstensen | Jul 26, 2017

Sigma Xi's Nobel Prize prediction contest is back and needs your nominations by August 24!
Developing Effective Messages Means Developing a Deep Understanding of Narrative: An Interview with Scientist-Turned-Filmmaker Randy Olson

by Aaron Huertas | Jul 25, 2017

A Q&A with Randy Olson explores why scientists struggle with communication and a storytelling template that could help.
New Quarterly Conversations

by Jamie Vernon | Jul 19, 2017

In the July edition of Sigma Xi Speaks, Executive Director and CEO Jamie Vernon asks members, affiliates, and explorers to participate in discussions about the irreproducibility of numerous published scientific studies, and what can be done to address this issue.
Forging Productive Relationships with Legislative Offices

by Aaron Huertas | Jun 27, 2017

There’s significant demand for scientific expertise among state and federal legislative offices. Researchers looking to inform policymakers about their work should consider supplying it.
Sigma Xi Speaks: June 2017

by John Nemeth | Jun 20, 2017

In October 2015, I wrote that becoming interim executive director and CEO of Sigma Xi for six months was a singular honor. Now, some 21 months later, I was correct. It has been the single greatest honor of my long and varied career.
Sigma Xi Speaks: May 2017

by John Nemeth | May 17, 2017
Sigma Xi Speaks: April 2017

by John Nemeth | Apr 19, 2017

Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John C. Nemeth encourages members to be science advocates and citizen scientists.
For Scientists, Public Engagement Means Finding Their Advocacy Comfort Zone

by Jamie Vernon | Apr 17, 2017
Sigma Xi Speaks: March 2017

by John Nemeth | Mar 22, 2017

Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John C. Nemeth shares how Sigma Xi is celebrating women in science and shares three books featuring female scientists.
Now is the Time to Speak Up

by Heather Thorstensen | Mar 01, 2017

This is a guest post written by communication coach Barry Mitsch. It is the responsibility of everyone who values scientific research to show the value science plays in future advancements that contribute to economic growth and improved quality of life. Mitsch shares tips on sharing your message.
Sigma Xi Speaks: February 2017

by John Nemeth | Feb 21, 2017

Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John C. Nemeth encourages members to get involved with the March for Science.
Sigma Xi Speaks: January 2017

by John Nemeth | Jan 17, 2017

Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John Nemeth shares information by disease researcher Peter Hotez on emerging infectious diseases. The Kids Science Reading Corner shares resources to help kids learn about mosquito-borne illness. It also features books about bugs.
Technology as a Tool for Presentations

by Heather Thorstensen | Dec 21, 2016

This is a guest post written by communication coach Barry Mitsch. Nowadays when technical professionals are asked to give a presentation, they typically begin their preparation by creating some slides using a popular software program that will be projected when speaking to an audience. But is this technology improving presentations or creating a barrier between the speaker and the audience?
Sigma Xi Speaks: December 2016

by John Nemeth | Dec 20, 2016

Sigma Xi is taking its first steps to help ensure that research in America will continue to attain the highest standards in the coming Trump administration. I call on you now for your participation.
Explore, Discover, and Move Forward

by Heather Thorstensen | Dec 14, 2016

Paul R. Sanberg, winner of the Sigma Xi 2016 John P. McGovern Science and Society Award, shares his lecture from the 2016 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. A main message of his lecture was that researchers have a meaningful role to play in society by sharing the benefits of their discoveries with other people.
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society

by Heather Thorstensen | Dec 13, 2016

Sigma Xi President Tee L. Guidotti explains the reasoning and history behind Sigma Xi's name change, which was approved at the recent Annual Meeting.
Sigma Xi Speaks: November 2016

by John Nemeth | Nov 29, 2016

Executive Director and CEO John C. Nemeth uses his monthly series to spotlight Human Rights Day on December 10. He shares an article about how Sigma Xi members can get involved with supporting the human right to water. The Kids Science Reading Corner features books about people who received their education against the odds.
The 2016 Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference: Seven Big Themes

by Heather Thorstensen | Nov 16, 2016

This is a guest post written by Sigma Xi President Tee Guidotti. Sigma Xi conferences are always wondrous affairs, bringing together speakers on outstanding science, extraordinarily talented students, their dedicated advisors, science policy wonks, and people who just plain care. The meeting that just ended featured the following key themes.
Sigma Xi Speaks: October 2016

by John Nemeth | Oct 18, 2016

In honor of Halloween, Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John Nemeth highlights two things that can be considered scary: drones and bats. He discusses the research applications for drones and books for kids about bats.