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.

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.
What Role Should Sigma Xi Play as a Research Advocate?

by Jamie Vernon | Jan 23, 2018

Sigma Xi members, affiliates, and explorers discuss critical issues in science as part of the Society’s Quarterly Conversations initiative. In light of the recent government shutdown, this quarter’s discussion will explore how Sigma Xi should represent the research enterprise in the political system.
Shaping the Rules: How Scientists Can Help Public Agencies Do Their Work

by Aaron Huertas | Jan 22, 2018

When scientists talk about public policy, they usually focus on the most visible parts of the political process—think presidential speeches and Congressional debates over major legislation. But a great deal of policymaking is done quietly by professional staff at public agencies. Policy experts say well-placed scientific advice can have an outsize impact in these venues.
Sigma Xi is The Scientific Research Honor Society: What is Research, Anyway?

by Tee Guidotti | Jan 10, 2018

Recently, a conversation thread in Sigma Xi’s online member community, The Lab, asked the decidedly not rhetorical question, “How does Sigma Xi define research?” Past President Tee Guidotti provides the leadership team's perspective.
Should Sigma Xi Support Open Access?

by Jamie Vernon | Oct 20, 2017

What happens when a university fails to renew a journal subscription that is used by its faculty or publishers charge exorbitant fees to download scholarly articles? One possible solution to disseminating scientific information is open access, a system that makes research articles available to all interested parties at no cost. Sigma Xi members are discussing the pros and cons of this publishing system.
October Madness: Drawing Winner

by Heather Thorstensen | Oct 05, 2017

The winner of a free year of Sigma Xi membership dues or a year in the Sigma Xi Affiliate Circle is announced.
2017 October Madness: Announcement of Champions

by Heather Thorstensen | Sep 26, 2017

The people have spoken about who they think should win the 2017 Nobel Prizes!
Sigma Xi Speaks: Addressing Climate Disasters

by Jamie Vernon | Sep 21, 2017

Executive Director and CEO Jamie L. Vernon explains how members can contribute to the debate around climate policy.
2017 October Madness: The Finals

by Heather Thorstensen | Sep 19, 2017

It's the finals of Sigma Xi's Nobel Prize prediction contest, October Madness! Your vote this week is more important than ever because you can help your favorites become October Madness champions, and we added a prize!
2017 October Madness: Final 4

by Heather Thorstensen | Sep 12, 2017

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!
2017 October Madness: Elite 8

by Heather Thorstensen | Sep 06, 2017
Members Share Their Solar Eclipse Stories

by Heather Thorstensen | Sep 06, 2017

You watched the total solar eclipse with wonder on August 21, 2017. Relive the memories with this collection of stories submitted by Sigma Xi members about how they watched this special event.
Voting Opens for 2017 October Madness

by Heather Thorstensen | Aug 29, 2017

Sigma Xi's 2017 Nobel Prize prediction contest, October Madness, starts today! Cast your vote in the Sweet 16 round.
Can Sigma Xi Fix the Reproducible Science Crisis: A Member Responds

by John Fennick | Aug 21, 2017

Sigma Xi member John Fennick weighs in on the reproducible science conversation, with history on the subject and his ideas for solutions.
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.