June 27, 2017
Media Contact
Jamie L. Vernon, PhD
Director of Science Communications and Publications, Editor-in-Chief of American Scientist
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
jvernon@sigmaxi.org or 800-243-6534 ext. 223
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. ― Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society’s magazine American Scientist has once again ranked among the top publications from non-profit associations.
The Society’s magazine received six awards in the Journals category on June 26 at Association Media & Publishing’s (AM&P) 37th Annual EXCEL Awards Gala in Arlington, Virginia. The EXCEL Awards is the largest program for recognizing excellence and leadership in non-profit association media, publishing, marketing, and communications. The awards are presented in gold, silver, and bronze tiers. Of the 830 total entries this year, 235 were selected for awards.
American Scientist took home three Gold EXCEL Awards: one for General Excellence and two for Feature Articles. One of the articles, “Harnessing the Web to Track the Next Outbreak” by Aranka Anema, Chi Bahk, John S. Brownstein, Sumiko Mekaru, Nicholas Preston, and Carly R. Winokur from the November–December 2016 issue discusses how innovations in data science and disease surveillance are changing the way we respond to public health threats. The other article, “Spring Budburst in a Changing Climate” by Amanda S. Gallinat and Richard B. Primack from the March–April 2016 issue explores how Henry David Thoreau’s 160-year-old field notes document the changing life in the woods, as a warming climate jumbles the timing of annual springtime schedules.
The magazine won two Silver EXCEL Awards: one for Design Excellence and the other for Cover Design, based on its September–October 2016 cover that displayed an illustration by Carlos Zamora to highlight an article pertaining to the 2016 presidential election season.
American Scientist received its Bronze EXCEL Award for Cover Design based on the November–December 2016 cover illustration by Benoît Clarys of a pregnant Homo naledi, a new species in the human origins story whose fossils were discovered in 2015.
Sigma Xi has published American Scientist since 1913. The bi-monthly publication features the world’s leading researchers with descriptions of their work and their perspectives on today’s leading issues in science and technology. With the combination of clear editing, beautiful photography, and smart graphics, American Scientist contributes toward Sigma Xi's mission to "promote the public's understanding of science for the purpose of improving the human condition."
“What pride I take in associating with such dedicated professionals,” said Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John Nemeth about the American Scientist staff. “They provide a unique service to all of us.”
The EXCEL Awards program has recognized American Scientist for a number of years. A full list of 2017 EXCEL Award winners is available.