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.

Advice for Poster Presentations

by Heather Thorstensen | Aug 12, 2019

Sigma Xi members in The Lab online community recently shared advice for students giving their first research poster presentation.
Chesapeake Chapter Tradition Supports High School Students

by Heather Thorstensen | Jul 29, 2019

When Jayce Turner receives his high school diploma next year, he will wear the Sigma Xi blue and white graduation cords around his neck, a sign of support from the world’s largest scientific and engineering research honor society.
6 Ways to Improve Your Leadership Skills for Research

by Jamie Vernon | Jul 16, 2019

As scientists and engineers, we tend to already be a group of quick learners, creative thinkers, and persistent problem solvers, but there is something else that can make each of us a more valuable and effective researcher: leadership skills.
Three Things Sigma Xi Can Do for You

by Jamie Vernon | Jun 18, 2019

The honor of your nomination to Sigma Xi membership is just the beginning of what Sigma Xi can do for you.
How Do We Define Research Excellence?

by Jamie Vernon | May 21, 2019

As an honor society, Sigma Xi welcomes scientists and engineers as new members to recognize their excellence, or their potential to conduct excellent research. But, how should we define research excellence? And, what’s the point?
10 Key Findings from the IPBES Global Assessment

by Sigma Xi Staff | May 15, 2019

Last week, a report from the United Nations gave precise detail about how nature and its critical contributions to people are deteriorating worldwide.
Shutdown Story: NSF Graduate Fellowship Program Reviewer's Concerns

by Heather Thorstensen | Mar 11, 2019

A member serving as an application reviewer for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program has raised concerns about the consequences to the program from the 2018–2019 government shutdown.
Government Shutdowns Hurt Science

by Jamie Vernon | Feb 05, 2019

Sigma Xi is sending a letter to Congress and the White House to encourage them to do what is necessary to avoid another government shutdown.
The Spirit of Giving Science

by Jamie Vernon | Dec 20, 2018

In his December message, Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO Jamie Vernon reflects on the year's research accomplishments and member accomplishments.
Sigma Xi Members Hold the Key

by Jamie Vernon | Nov 28, 2018

In his November message to members, Executive Director and CEO Jamie Vernon explains the significance of the Sigma Xi key and invites all members to extend the honor of membership and the key of Sigma Xi to all who embody the qualities sought in our fellow companions, including dedication to research excellence and integrity.
2018 October Madness: Raffle Winner

by Heather Thorstensen | Oct 05, 2018

The winner of a free year of Sigma Xi membership dues or a year in the Sigma Xi Affiliate Circle is announced as the conclusion of the 2018 run of October Madness, the Nobel Prize prediction contest.
2018 October Madness: Announcement of Champions

by Heather Thorstensen | Sep 25, 2018

The people have spoken about who they predict will win the 2018 Nobel Prizes in chemistry, physics, and physiology or medicine!
2018 October Madness: The Finals

by Heather Thorstensen | Sep 18, 2018

We're down to the finals of Sigma Xi's Nobel Prize prediction contest, October Madness! Vote through September 23 to pick our champions and enter a raffle for a prize.
2018 October Madness: Final 4

by Heather Thorstensen | Sep 11, 2018

We're down to the Final 4 of Sigma Xi's Nobel Prize prediction contest, October Madness! Vote to make sure your top picks make it to the finals.
2018 October Madness: Elite 8

by Eman Ghanem | Sep 06, 2018

Voting is open for the 2018 Nobel Prize prediction contest, October Madness! Voting for this round is open through September 9.
A New Spin on Sigma Xi's Annual Meeting

by Jamie Vernon | Sep 04, 2018

The 2018 Annual Meeting agenda has been expanded from primarily Society business to programming that is designed to be both personally enriching and professionally beneficial. Executive Director and CEO Jamie Vernon asks for the Society's feedback about the plans for this year’s event.
Call for Nominations: October Madness 2018

by Heather Thorstensen | Aug 24, 2018

Sigma Xi's Nobel Prize prediction contest is back and needs your nominations by September 4, 2018!
How Will Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Change Science?

by Jamie Vernon | May 15, 2018

We’re beginning to see the influence of big data sets, and the technology to process them, in every area of research. A need exists for in-depth conversations about the ethics of data collection, analysis, usage, how we will communicate discoveries when the process is largely computer-driven, and how the current scientific infrastructure system will need to adapt to accommodate big data-based research initiatives.
Partners Again: Sigma Xi and the March for Science

by Jamie Vernon | Mar 20, 2018

In his March 2018 Sigma Xi Speaks message, Executive Director and CEO Jamie L. Vernon calls on members, affiliates, and explorers to join with their local March for Science events.
The Case for Open Access Publishing from a Rural High School Teacher

by Jeff Wehr | Feb 13, 2018

Sigma Xi member Jeff Wehr is the principal mentor of the Advanced STEM Research Laboratory at Odessa High School in Odessa, Washington. He makes the case that open access publishing would be a benefit to the scientific community by supporting his rural students.