At the last Assembly of Delegates, president-elect David Allison and I reflected on what makes being a scientist special: impact and awe. Scientists see the world as a collection of fascinating puzzles, and it is this sense of wonder that drives us to make impactful discoveries.
Consider the tools we build to deepen that awe. Telescopes reveal breathtaking images of the universe. Microscopes and molecular probes let us observe how cells communicate to shape organismal function. Satellites and drones allow us to see how climate change and human activity reshape landscapes and influence wildlife, for better or worse. Even without such tools, scientists are often awed by the natural world itself—or by artistic representations of it. When scientists pause to look closely, subtleties emerge, connections become visible, emotions are stirred, and even our physiologies can change. That sense of wonder frequently sparks transformative insights and discoveries.
Too often, however, scientists share their awe—and their results—only with one another, usually within their own disciplines. The technical details may be precise, but the broader significance is often lost on the public. Organizations like Sigma Xi help break down these silos by fostering cross-disciplinary exchange, but we must do more. Science matters, and the public deserves to understand how awe-inspiring discoveries shape everyday life. To achieve this, scientists must become better storytellers.
I recently co-taught a global seminar with filmmakers focused on human–wildlife relationships in Kenya. The experience underscored that effective science communication is fundamentally about storytelling. Good stories must be clear and accessible, connecting everyday experience to scientific curiosity. They must also evoke emotion: awe and surprise can inspire urgency only when audiences share those feelings. Finally, structure matters. Attention is captured through narrative, not just facts. Without context, facts rarely change minds.
In today’s cultural climate, science conducted by perceived “elites” is often viewed with skepticism. If how science is done—and why it matters—is not compellingly communicated, misinformation and conspiracy theories will continue to fill the gap.
This is where Sigma Xi chapters can make a difference. Our chapters bring together scientists at all career stages and sectors. By regularly sharing discoveries through compelling stories, we can rebuild public trust in science as a force for good. I challenge chapter leaders to inspire members to tell stories that reveal the awe that launched their research and the real-world impacts that followed. I encourage members to share their stories through local and social media, Sigma Xi headquarters, and directly with me at dir@princeton.edu. Good stories make a difference. Great stories can change the world. Let’s share the awe that inspires impactful science.
Sincerely,
Daniel I. Rubenstein
Sigma Xi President