July 14, 2020
Fenella Saunders, editor-in-chief of American Scientist and director of Sigma Xi's Department of Science Communications and Publications, holds issues that helped Sigma Xi's magazine win three EXCEL Awards on July 14, 2020.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. ― Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society’s magazine American Scientist has been recognized for its excellence and leadership in association publishing.
A pre-recorded announcement released on July 14 named the Society’s magazine as the winner of three EXCEL Awards from SIIA’s Association Media and Publishing (AM&P). The awards competition, which is open to nonprofit and for-profit associations, received more than 800 entries and 271 were assessed by judges. In total, the competition announced 71 Gold Awards, 103 Silver Awards, and 97 Bronze Awards.
American Scientist won a Gold Award in Digital Media–Single Blog Post, a Gold Award in Journals–General Excellence, and a Bronze Award in Journals–Design Excellence.
"The entire staff of American Scientist is so proud to continue the magazine’s longstanding legacy of showcasing cutting-edge scientific research, and helping the scientists behind it tell their own stories in an understandable, engaging way, with original and innovative graphics," said Fenella Saunders, editor-in-chief. "We greatly appreciate that Association Media and Publishing has chosen to honor our publication’s work in this year’s EXCEL Awards."
Digital Media–Single Blog Post
Gold Award
For “What We Get Wrong About the Evolution Debate,” written by Adam Shapiro and edited by American Scientist digital features editor Katie Burke
The prevailing narrative juxtaposes science and religion—but this approach erases the root influences of social inequality and racism.
Journals–General Excellence
Gold Award
This award recognizes the best writing, content, design, and overall packaging. It is based on review of American Scientist’s May–June 2019, July–August 2019, and September–October 2019 issues. Barbara Aulicino was the art director on these issues.
Journals–Design Excellence
Bronze Award
This award recognizes the best use of images and design that draws the reader into the text. It is based on review of American Scientist’s July–August 2019, September–October 2019, and November–December 2019 issues. Barbara Aulicino was the art director on these issues.
Sigma Xi has published American Scientist since 1913. Six issues per year showcase articles written by the world’s leading researchers, who share descriptions of their work and their perspectives on today’s leading issues in science, technology, engineering, and math. With a combination of clear writing and editing, beautiful photography, and innovative 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.”
A print or digital subscription is included in Sigma Xi membership. Sigma Xi is a multidisciplinary, international honor society for scientists and engineers. In addition to promoting the public understanding of science, Sigma Xi supports the health of the research enterprise and fosters integrity in research.
American Scientist is also sold at Barnes & Noble and on newsstands.
AM&P has recognized American Scientist with EXCEL Awards in the past, including 10 Gold Awards, four Silver Awards, and four Bronze Awards in the five years between 2020–2016. The full list of 2020 winners is available.
Bottom photo: American Scientist digital features editor Katie Burke accepted the EXCEL Awards on behalf of the magazine in-person last year. This year's event was held as pre-recorded remarks.