July 01, 2014

Today, July 1, 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. 

"This past year, as president of Sigma Xi, I had an opportunity to look behind the stage curtain to see how this great organization produces its award winning programs and works so faithfully to serve its members with the highest honor," said Meadows. "What a talented and dedicated staff and what an inspiration are the over 500 chapters! I have also met so many of the world's most distinguished scientists, who have applauded Sigma Xi with passion and I have met so many young people whose careers and life choices have been facilitated by the support they have received from Sigma Xi. Sad though I am that my year is closing, I smile broadly in the knowledge of a stellar year ahead."

In addition to her presidency, Meadows has served on the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and on numerous other committees, such as the qualifications and membership, finances, and awards committees. She is a member and past president of The Ohio State University Chapter. 

"As we look back at the last 12 months, we need to express our appreciation and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Linda Meadows for her leadership as Sigma Xi president for fiscal year 2014," said Executive Director Jerry Baker. "Her vision and leadership has helped the Society focus on bringing more value to its stakeholders. The strategic revitalization plan approved under her presidency will allow Sigma Xi to be more responsive to members and chapters. Sigma Xi will be a leader in science communication in the 21st century because of her efforts and dedication. I will miss working alongside her to promote Sigma Xi values." 

Atkinson's term will run through June 30, 2015. He has been a Sigma Xi member for 44 years and has served on the Committee on Finances in addition to the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. 

As Sigma Xi president, Atkinson plans to remain focused on the organization's historical commitment to foster and strengthen outstanding scientific research. 

He also welcomes "the opportunity to help structure and implement Sigma Xi programs designed to improve communication between the scientific researchers and policy makers, both domestically and internationally," he said. 

Photo: Dr. Linda K. Meadows, Sigma Xi FY 2014 president, on left, and Dr. George H. Atkinson, Sigma Xi FY 2015 president, on right.

More About Sigma Xi: Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society is the international honor society of science and engineering. One of the oldest and largest scientific organizations in the world, Sigma Xi has a distinguished history of service to science and society for more than a century. Scientists and engineers, whose research spans the disciplines of science and technology, comprise the membership of the Society. Sigma Xi chapters can be found at colleges and universities, government laboratories, and industry research centers around the world. More than 200 Noble Prize winners have been members. The Society is based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. www.sigmaxi.org. On Twitter: @SigmaXiSociety.