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.

Members Share Their Solar Eclipse Stories

by User Not Found | Sep 06, 2017

You watched the total solar eclipse with wonder on August 21, 2017. Relive the memories with this collection of stories submitted by Sigma Xi members about how they watched this special event.
Voting Opens for 2017 October Madness

by User Not Found | Aug 29, 2017

Sigma Xi's 2017 Nobel Prize prediction contest, October Madness, starts today! Cast your vote in the Sweet 16 round.
Can Sigma Xi Fix the Reproducible Science Crisis: A Member Responds

by John Fennick | Aug 21, 2017

Sigma Xi member John Fennick weighs in on the reproducible science conversation, with history on the subject and his ideas for solutions.
Sigma Xi Speaks: Eclipse Party Planner

by Jamie Vernon | Aug 16, 2017

It's not too late to plan a solar eclipse watch party with your family, friends, or Sigma Xi chapter. These ideas will help make your party a total success.
Call for Nominations: October Madness 2017

by User Not Found | Jul 26, 2017

Sigma Xi's Nobel Prize prediction contest is back and needs your nominations by August 24!
Developing Effective Messages Means Developing a Deep Understanding of Narrative: An Interview with Scientist-Turned-Filmmaker Randy Olson

by Aaron Huertas | Jul 25, 2017

A Q&A with Randy Olson explores why scientists struggle with communication and a storytelling template that could help.
New Quarterly Conversations

by Jamie Vernon | Jul 19, 2017

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.
Forging Productive Relationships with Legislative Offices

by Aaron Huertas | Jun 27, 2017

There’s significant demand for scientific expertise among state and federal legislative offices. Researchers looking to inform policymakers about their work should consider supplying it.
Sigma Xi Speaks: June 2017

by User Not Found | Jun 20, 2017

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: May 2017

by User Not Found | May 17, 2017
Sigma Xi Speaks: April 2017

by User Not Found | Apr 19, 2017

Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John C. Nemeth encourages members to be science advocates and citizen scientists.
For Scientists, Public Engagement Means Finding Their Advocacy Comfort Zone

by Jamie Vernon | Apr 17, 2017
Sigma Xi Speaks: March 2017

by User Not Found | Mar 22, 2017

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.
Now is the Time to Speak Up

by User Not Found | Mar 01, 2017

This is a guest post written by communication coach Barry Mitsch. It is the responsibility of everyone who values scientific research to show the value science plays in future advancements that contribute to economic growth and improved quality of life. Mitsch shares tips on sharing your message.
Sigma Xi Speaks: February 2017

by User Not Found | Feb 21, 2017

Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John C. Nemeth encourages members to get involved with the March for Science.
Sigma Xi Speaks: January 2017

by User Not Found | Jan 17, 2017

Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO John Nemeth shares information by disease researcher Peter Hotez on emerging infectious diseases. The Kids Science Reading Corner shares resources to help kids learn about mosquito-borne illness. It also features books about bugs.
Technology as a Tool for Presentations

by User Not Found | Dec 21, 2016

This is a guest post written by communication coach Barry Mitsch. Nowadays when technical professionals are asked to give a presentation, they typically begin their preparation by creating some slides using a popular software program that will be projected when speaking to an audience. But is this technology improving presentations or creating a barrier between the speaker and the audience?
Sigma Xi Speaks: December 2016

by User Not Found | Dec 20, 2016

Sigma Xi is taking its first steps to help ensure that research in America will continue to attain the highest standards in the coming Trump administration. I call on you now for your participation.
Explore, Discover, and Move Forward

by User Not Found | Dec 14, 2016

Paul R. Sanberg, winner of the Sigma Xi 2016 John P. McGovern Science and Society Award, shares his lecture from the 2016 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. A main message of his lecture was that researchers have a meaningful role to play in society by sharing the benefits of their discoveries with other people.
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society

by User Not Found | Dec 13, 2016

Sigma Xi President Tee L. Guidotti explains the reasoning and history behind Sigma Xi's name change, which was approved at the recent Annual Meeting.