It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I address you for the first time as your president. As we embark on a new fiscal year here at Sigma Xi, I am thrilled to share some impressive accomplishments and upcoming plans for the Society.
Over the past 12 months, Sigma Xi membership has surged an impressive 11.7 percent, marking the first increase since 2008. As of February 2024, our total operating revenue was up 8.3 percent, while our operating budget deficit was down 2.3 percent. While significant financial challenges remain, these achievements signify that the Society is on a solid upward trajectory.
Our work is far from over, however. In today’s complex world, your participation and contributions are more crucial than ever, and the future of our Society depends heavily on your engagement. To bolster the future of Sigma Xi, we are focusing on several key initiatives:
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Enhancing Science Policy and Engagement: We must continue to increase efforts to engage with the science research community and the public at large. This is the core mission of our Society.
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Building Strategic Alliances: We aim to forge stronger relationships with science advocacy organizations such as the National Academies, AAAS, and Phi Beta Kappa.
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Expanding Internationally: We are committed to increasing the international presence of Sigma Xi by working closely with chapters and partners to initiate growth and activities outside North America.
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Reinvigorating Membership: A crucial aspect of our mission is to revitalize inactive members and grow membership-at-large to advance program initiatives.
I am also very excited to announce that Sigma Xi’s annual meeting, the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE), is scheduled for November 14–17, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This year’s gathering will feature a diverse array of symposia on topics such as research education access, STEM life stories, and the intersection of research, AI, and science. These sessions are designed to foster collaboration and inspire our community.
As we move forward, I am eager to visit different chapters, connect with current and new members, and listen to your ideas and ongoing efforts to promote science. Together, we can continue to rejuvenate and grow Sigma Xi. Please reach out to me at klu@uab.edu if you’d like to ask a question or discuss ideas. Your efforts are essential to our collective success, and I look forward to what we will achieve together.
Sincerely,
Kathy Lu
Sigma Xi President