News Archive

Jerry Baker, who served as Sigma Xi's executive director and chief executive officer —as well as publisher of American Scientist—from 2008 through July 31, 2014, reflects over his time with the Society.

Fenella Saunders, managing editor of American Scientist, recently spoke with Derek Muller, creator of the popular YouTube science channel, Veritasium. They spoke about his tips for researchers who wish to share science with the public.

Sigma Xi's redesigned website is expected to launch in August at www.sigmaxi.org. Look for these new features.

Sigma Xi's new journal, Chronicle of The New Researcher, achieved a major milestone in July by publishing its first article! The article was written by Rema Shah, a student at Raleigh Charter High School in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Sigma Xi's International Research Conference offers college and outstanding high school students an opportunity to present their research to respected research professionals from around the world. The conference will be held November 7-8 during Sigma Xi's Annual Meeting at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel and Spa in Glendale, Arizona.

The Institute on Science for Global Policy will hold debates November 8 during Sigma Xi's Annual Meeting in Glendale, Arizona. ISGP has pioneered a specific debate format to improve communication of scientifically credible ideas and recommendations to policy makers.

As my term as president of Sigma Xi begins, it is evident that the Society is entering a new phase of its distinguished history, but one that encompasses serious challenges including its relevance to both its current members and to scientists in general.

College students who would like funding through Sigma Xi's Grants-in-Aid of Research program need to submit their application by October 15. The application form will be on Sigma Xi's website, www.sigmaxi.org, by August 15.

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society helped showcase entomology-themed art last night at RTP180: Art in the Triangle. An artist and researcher from New York City, Brandon Ballengee, creates Love Motels for Insects. These art installations are built with canvas, sometimes shaped like insects, and lit with ultraviolet light to attract bugs.

<p>Sigma Xi's membership-at-large has elected Dr. Vijay C. Kowtha as their associate director.</p>

<p>Today marks a change in leadership as Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society begins fiscal year 2015. Dr. Linda K. Meadows has completed her term as president. The role has transitioned to Dr. George H. Atkinson. </p>

<p>Dr. Jerry Baker has announced his resignation from Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, which is effective July 31, 2014. Since 2008, Baker has served as the Society’s chief executive officer, executive director, and publisher of its magazine, <em>American Scientist.</em> </p>

<p>Sigma Xi members were among the 84 new members and 21 foreign associates elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. This class continued the trend of increased female recognition.</p><p>The academy is a nonprofit society of scientists and engineers committed to the furtherance of science and technology and its use for general welfare. It was established in 1863 by an act of Congress signed by President Abraham Lincoln that calls on the academy to provide objective advice to the nation about science and technology.</p>

<p>Sigma Xi participated at the following 2014 events to support students interested in science and engineering.</p> <p> <strong>North Carolina FIRST Robotics Competition</strong> </p><p> Raleigh, North Carolina: Sigma Xi sponsored this regional engineering competition for grades 9-12. Executive Director Jerry Baker was a judge.</p>

Editor's Note: This is the first president's letter of George H. Atkinson, who will serve as president of Sigma Xi from July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015. This letter was also published in the July-August issue of American Scientist.

After two years of virtual meetings, Sigma Xi members will gather in person November 6-9 in Glendale, Arizona, for the 2014 Annual Meeting, Assembly of Delegates, and International Research Conference.

Sigma Xi will launch a new website this fall that will have improved tools for chapter officers and more functionality for members, including a member directory. It will be a valuable asset to keep everyone informed of the organization's initiatives.

Research Triangle Park, North Carolina —Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society's new journal, Chronicle of The New Researcher, is now accepting manuscripts at www.ctnr.org. Sigma Xi created Chronicle of The New Researcher expressly for the purpose of publishing an online, open access journal that allows outstanding pre-collegiate students in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) areas to showcase their research. The first manuscript will be published soon.

<p>Research Triangle Park, North Carolina — When an honor society opens its doors to you, why should you join? What place does honor hold in our world today? Leaders of four honor societies, including Sigma Xi, shared their answers in the summer 2014 edition of Phi Kappa Phi Forum.</p><p>The article, "The Role and Value of Honor Today: A Roundtable," also has input from leaders of Omicron Delta Kappa, The National Leadership Honor Society; Phi Beta Kappa Society, and The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, which publishes Phi Kappa Phi Forum.</p>