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.

Choosing the Right Leaders

by Amia' Butler | Feb 02, 2021

The Society relies upon its members to nominate individuals who represent diverse backgrounds and experiences from within the membership and serve the Society well.
A New Year Marks a New Era for Science and Engineering

by Jamie Vernon | Jan 19, 2021
Science Yields the Gift of Hope

by Jamie Vernon | Dec 15, 2020

Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO, Jamie Vernon, discusses the news of the first non-clinical trial subject in the United States receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 and the years of medical advancements that made it possible.
It’s Time to Restore Scientific Integrity

by Jamie Vernon | Nov 11, 2020

Jamie Vernon, Sigma Xi CEO, discusses how the system has proven to be imperfectly safeguarded and how protections must be established to preserve scientific integrity.
2020 October Madness: Raffle Winners

by Lindsay Holton | Oct 16, 2020

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 2020 run of October Madness, the Nobel Prize prediction contest.
2020 October Madness: Announcement of Champions

by Lindsay Holton | Oct 01, 2020

The people have spoken about who they predict will win the 2020 Nobel Prizes in chemistry, physics, and physiology or medicine!
COVID-19 Poses Mental Health Challenges within the Research Community

by Jamie Vernon | Sep 29, 2020

Anecdotal evidence suggests that COVID-19 is adding to an already prevalent problem and that students, researchers, and educators are facing a mental health crisis.
2020 October Madness: The Finals

by Lindsay Holton | Sep 25, 2020

We're down to the finals of Sigma Xi's Nobel Prize prediction contest, October Madness! Vote through September 30 to pick our champions.
2020 October Madness: Final 4

by Lindsay Holton | Sep 18, 2020

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.
2020 October Madness: Elite 8

by Lindsay Holton | Sep 14, 2020

Voting is open for the 2020 Nobel Prize prediction contest, October Madness! Voting for this round is open through September 17.
Call for Nominations: October Madness 2020

by Lindsay Holton | Sep 14, 2020

Sigma Xi's Nobel Prize prediction contest is back and needs your nominations by September 2, 2020!
Disproportionate Effects of COVID-19 Within Research

by Jamie Vernon | Aug 24, 2020

Studies indicate that the pandemic isn’t affecting all researchers equally.
Advice for Virtual Research Presentations

by Heather Thorstensen | Aug 20, 2020

Students and Sigma Xi members share their advice for students presenting at the virtual Student Research Conference this November.
Keynote Preview: Every Brain Needs Music

by Heather Thorstensen | Aug 14, 2020

Neuroscientist Larry Sherman will be a keynote speaker at the virtual Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference to share what neuroscience tell us about what music does to the human brain.
Member Writes Children's Book about Viruses

by Heather Thorstensen | Aug 04, 2020

A new book by Sigma Xi member Hannah Margolis helps children and parents learn the basics of viruses as we all face SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The book is available for free online.
Sigma Xi Steps Up to Support the Research Community

by Jamie Vernon | Jul 21, 2020

Sigma Xi took multiple actions this month to address issues on behalf of its members and the scientific community. Issues addressed include an Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy that would have affected international students, helping the public understand COVID-19, supporting evidence-based public health guidance, and restricting Facebook advertising.
Sigma Xi Supports the #ShutDownSTEM Initative

by Heather Thorstensen | Jun 11, 2020

Sigma Xi members share what they did on June 10 to address racial inequalities.
Life Lessons from a Research Career

by Geraldine Richmond | May 26, 2020

National Medal of Science Recipient and Sigma Xi President Geraldine Richmond shares five things she has learned about life and having a research career.
Q & A with a Seeker of Genius

by Heather Thorstensen | May 21, 2020

Rachael Cusick, an associate producer at Radiolab, spent a year searching for genius. The result is RadioLab Presents: G, a documentary series on the concept of intelligence.
How Does Discipline Integration Make Research (and Life) Better?

by Jamie Vernon | Apr 21, 2020

Just as the current physical distancing disrupts our natural state of socialized work, higher education has been experiencing a longer period of distancing of its own, one of discipline distancing. As we have each become more specialized, have we moved away from teaching and working in a way that provides the most opportunity for students, scientists, and engineers to advance new knowledge that will improve our world?