July 10, 2026
Each year, Sigma Xi recognizes exceptional work and achievement in science or engineering research and communication through its select group of annual awards. Past honorees have included such varied individuals as Jane Goodall, Vannevar Bush, Margaret Mead, Sylvia Earle, Claudia Dreifus, Al Gore, Shirley Malcom, Peter Hotez, Freeman Hrabowski, and Cato Laurencin. Presented annually by the Society's Prizes and Awards program, each award recognizes a unique achievement, career, or contribution to science and the research enterprise. Recipients are presented with the awards at the International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE) where many will be keynote speakers. This year's conference will be held virtually, November 6–7, 2026.
Congratulations to the 2026 Sigma Xi award winners:
Camille Ragin, PhD, MPH
Associate Director for Cancer Disparities Research and Research Integration
Office of Research Initiatives for Strategic Excellence (RISE)
Professor, Cancer Prevention and Control Program
Fox Chase Cancer Center—Temple Health
For her pioneering leadership in cancer disparities research, transformative community-engaged science initiatives, and outstanding commitment to advancing public understanding of cancer prevention and health equity across African-descent populations worldwide.
Robert Boily
President, Academy of Science of Canada
First Vice President, Royal Society of Canada
Mentor of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, University of Montreal
In recognition of his five decades of multidisciplinary scientific leadership, groundbreaking contributions across physics and advanced technologies, and exceptional ability to communicate science and foster international research collaboration.
Richard Boudreault
Founder and CEO, Awn Nanotech
Researcher, Université de Sherbrooke
Adjunct professor, Polytechnique Montréal and the University of Waterloo
For his groundbreaking innovations in atmospheric water generation using nanotechnology, advancing sustainable solutions for global water security, climate resilience, and off-grid access to clean water in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
Marissa Wechsler
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio
Ran Tao
Associate materials scientist, Materials Measurement Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
For her innovative research in fluid rheology and thermal analysis, advancing critical solutions in national security, semiconductor packaging, and additive manufacturing through groundbreaking measurement science and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Ben Bahr
William C. Friday Chair and Professor, University of North Carolina Pembroke
For his translational research advancing novel therapeutic compounds for Alzheimer’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders, successfully bridging laboratory discoveries with potential low-cost treatments to improve public health outcomes.
Pania Newell
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah
For her outstanding commitment to scientific integrity, open science, research transparency, and ethical mentorship, advancing reproducible and accessible scientific practices across research, education, and public engagement.
Reinhard Chun Wang Chau
PhD candidate, AI-Powered Preventive Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong
For his innovative application of artificial intelligence and mobile health technologies in preventive dentistry, successfully translating research into accessible healthcare solutions with significant societal and commercial impact.