June 27, 2013

Dr. Jerry Baker with David Baker, SX member and of DIRECTV, Jacque Pace, from WNC Satcom Group, LLC and Melinda Keith of DIRECTV.

Each year thousands of secondary students are recognized for the quality of their investigations by numerous philanthropic organizations and private foundations, as well as at regional science fairs and competitions. Yet at present, limited national, let alone international, publication opportunities exist to gather and publish the best original research of secondary students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) areas.

In response to this need, Sigma Xi is developing a refereed, online journal for these young researchers. The journal will offer a web-based outlet for mentor-enabled preparation, review, and publication of original research by high school students in STEM. The journal's website will eventually serve as a base for social networking among students and mentors and will provide educational support for students and teachers learning how to plan, execute, and communicate original scientific research.

We are very grateful to DIRECTV, the leading sponsor for the development of this new publication. DIRECTV's primary area of philanthropic focus is K-12 education, including emphasis on STEM education through strategic partnerships that foster student learning across the Americas.

The steps leading to publication will provide invaluable learning experiences in scientific communication for high school students and help to further their interests in the sciences. The process will also strengthen their applications for further studies, provide opportunities for them to interact with STEM professionals and fellow high school students interested in their area of research, and allow them to communicate their work to a broad audience.

We look forward to identifying student research worldwide, providing mentor support for the development and submission of research reports, follow up with the students upon their receipt of feedback from experts during the revision process, and ultimately publish the best papers on a continual basis in a high quality, polished online publication.

For more information please contact the publication's project director Richard Wiggins.