KEYED IN

Welcome to Keyed In, the blog of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society. This will be the go-to place for Sigma Xi members and others to learn about what’s happening in the science and engineering industry. We will share thoughts and perspectives related to Sigma Xi’s mission, including ideas that deal with the health of the research enterprise, integrity in science and engineering, and public understanding of science, as they contribute to improving the human condition. We will give updates about the remarkable work conducted by Sigma Xi chapters, which are spread across the globe. We will report on trends in research and anticipate where the industry is going. And, we will offer advice to young scientists and engineers. Our ultimate goal is to provide useful information that will lead to a more connected and more effective research community.

  • A New Year Marks a New Era for Science and Engineering

    by Jamie Vernon | Jan 19, 2021
    Sigma Xi Speaks logo
  • Sigma Xi Steps Up to Support the Research Community

    by Jamie Vernon | Jul 21, 2020
    2016 Annual Meeting Plenary Session
    Sigma Xi took multiple actions this month to address issues on behalf of its members and the scientific community. Issues addressed include an Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy that would have affected international students, helping the public understand COVID-19, supporting evidence-based public health guidance, and restricting Facebook advertising.
  • How Do We Define Research Excellence?

    by Jamie Vernon | May 21, 2019
    Membership Certificate
    As an honor society, Sigma Xi welcomes scientists and engineers as new members to recognize their excellence, or their potential to conduct excellent research. But, how should we define research excellence? And, what’s the point?
  • Government Shutdowns Hurt Science

    by Jamie Vernon | Feb 05, 2019
    Jamie L. Vernon
    Sigma Xi is sending a letter to Congress and the White House to encourage them to do what is necessary to avoid another government shutdown.
  • The Spirit of Giving Science

    by Jamie Vernon | Dec 20, 2018
    Jamie Vernon
    In his December message, Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO Jamie Vernon reflects on the year's research accomplishments and member accomplishments.
  • What Role Should Sigma Xi Play as a Research Advocate?

    by Jamie Vernon | Jan 23, 2018
    US Capitol Building
    Sigma Xi members, affiliates, and explorers discuss critical issues in science as part of the Society’s Quarterly Conversations initiative. In light of the recent government shutdown, this quarter’s discussion will explore how Sigma Xi should represent the research enterprise in the political system.
  • Should Sigma Xi Support Open Access?

    by Jamie Vernon | Oct 20, 2017
    Jamie L. Vernon
    What happens when a university fails to renew a journal subscription that is used by its faculty or publishers charge exorbitant fees to download scholarly articles? One possible solution to disseminating scientific information is open access, a system that makes research articles available to all interested parties at no cost. Sigma Xi members are discussing the pros and cons of this publishing system.
  • New Quarterly Conversations

    by Jamie Vernon | Jul 19, 2017
    Jamie L. Vernon
    In the July edition of Sigma Xi Speaks, Executive Director and CEO Jamie Vernon asks members, affiliates, and explorers to participate in discussions about the irreproducibility of numerous published scientific studies, and what can be done to address this issue.
  • Sigma Xi Speaks: June 2017

    by User Not Found | Jun 20, 2017
    John Nemeth
    In October 2015, I wrote that becoming interim executive director and CEO of Sigma Xi for six months was a singular honor. Now, some 21 months later, I was correct. It has been the single greatest honor of my long and varied career.
  • Sigma Xi Speaks: March 2017

    by User Not Found | Mar 22, 2017
    john_nemeth_preferred_photo240x187
    Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John C. Nemeth shares how Sigma Xi is celebrating women in science and shares three books featuring female scientists.
  • Sigma Xi Speaks: February 2017

    by User Not Found | Feb 21, 2017
    John Nemeth
    Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John C. Nemeth encourages members to get involved with the March for Science.
  • Sigma Xi Speaks: November 2016

    by User Not Found | Nov 29, 2016
    John Nemeth
    Executive Director and CEO John C. Nemeth uses his monthly series to spotlight Human Rights Day on December 10. He shares an article about how Sigma Xi members can get involved with supporting the human right to water. The Kids Science Reading Corner features books about people who received their education against the odds.
  • Sigma Xi Speaks: October 2016

    by User Not Found | Oct 18, 2016
    Bats_A World of Science and Mystery240x187
    In honor of Halloween, Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John Nemeth highlights two things that can be considered scary: drones and bats. He discusses the research applications for drones and books for kids about bats.
  • Sigma Xi Speaks: June 2016

    by User Not Found | Jun 21, 2016
    John Nemeth
    In the June message for Sigma Xi Speaks, Executive Director John Nemeth encourages members to take an active role in STEM outreach, and gives members ideas on how to find and share research news.
  • Become a Voice for Science

    by User Not Found | Feb 09, 2016
    Nemeth_New_240x187
    Welcome to the first installment of Sigma Xi Speaks! Through this series, we will provide policy-relevant information generated by the Society’s communications and publications staff. We encourage you to share this information with your friends, family, colleagues, and local and national elected officials via social media, email, or in-person.

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