April 13, 2015

Previously, I have shared my view that Sigma Xi has evolved in directions, both financially and strategically, that limit the Society’s ability to fulfill its mission and meet the expectations of its membership. As evident for years, the continuing and rapid decrease in Sigma Xi membership (a steady 75 percent decline over 35 years, and a 50 percent decrease over the past decade) clearly reflects a declining relevancy to its members. The resultant decrease in income, coupled with years of budgeting in support of deficit spending, have created significant financial instabilities. Obviously, such conditions are unsustainable, a reality requiring the immediate attention of not only the Society’s leadership, but of all Sigma Xi members.

The central challenges include: 

(1) the financial commitments associated with the Sigma Xi Center building in North Carolina; (2) the organizational structure and operational function of the Sigma Xi Center itself, especially with respect to program management, membership services, donor giving, and the publication of American Scientist; and (3) the value of the Sigma Xi mission to its membership, both established and those most recently nominated.

Since initiating my presidency, these realities have motivated a comprehensive review of the organizational structure, financial commitments, activities and programs, and the overall relationship of the Society to its members. As noted in my earlier communications, extensive discussions concerning major reforms with respect to all these challenges have commanded the attention of the Executive Committee representing the Board of Directors. It is now appropriate to announce, on behalf of the Board of Directors, that several important decisions have been made.

1. An agreement has been reached to sell the Sigma Xi Center building in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, to Research Triangle High School (RTHS). RTHS plans to use the building as its main teaching facility, a purpose completely consistent with the Society’s original purpose of serving the science and engineering communities. This transaction was completed in early March 2015. By July 2015, the Sigma Xi headquarters’ operation will be moved to a new, high-quality space within Research Triangle Park. The detailed design of the new space, developed with the Sigma Xi staff, is optimized to improve operational performance at significantly reduced cost. Several items symbolic of Sigma Xi (e.g., the walls that honor Sigma Xi’s Nobel Prize laureate members, etc.) will be preserved for future use by the Society. The operation of the Sigma Xi headquarters, including the publication of American Scientist, is not expected to be significantly hindered during this transitionary period.

2. The continuing reorganization of Sigma Xi headquarters, initiated in mid-2014 by appointing two co-directors for internal operations, outsourcing of human resources, and reducing staff, focuses on enhancing the quality and efficiency of membership services, reprioritizing the Society’s mission, and strengthening American Scientist, all essential to the continued pursuit of excellence for the Society.

3. Detailed discussions continue throughout the Society’s leadership concerning how Sigma Xi can improve its mission, both historic and potentially expanded, to increase its relevancy to its membership and to the broader community. While taking advantage of opportunities provided in its new space, the Society seeks to provide those services prioritized by Sigma Xi members and develop new roles identified as important by the scientific community writ large. Of specific interest is whether the ongoing relationship with programs at the Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP) can assist in achieving these goals. It is anticipated that decisions will be reached before July 1, 2015, the end of my term as Sigma Xi president. 

While fully recognizing that many questions will appropriately arise concerning the changes announced here, I can assure you that the Society’s entire leadership has approached these challenges in an exceptionally thoughtful and professional way. As regretful as some of these changes may be, the realities emanating from previous decisions in the past decades must be addressed if Sigma Xi is to recapture its influence on critical issues facing science and how science and technology are used in modern societies.

Finally, it is critical to note that these changes will not conclusively solve all the immediate challenges; these decisions have been necessary, but will not be sufficient. Once enacted, these changes provide Sigma Xi with enough stability and time to focus on ways to further improve the efficiency of its operations and the relevancy of its mission. Both are required if Sigma Xi is to provide meaningful benefits to its members and increase support from the public and broad scientific communities. It is only through such improvements, arising from deliberative discussions, that Sigma Xi can regain the financial stability and professional credibility needed to ensure a long, productive, and influential future. 

I hope the motivations and background efforts associated with the changes announced here are described with sufficient clarity to garner your support. I certainly welcome questions and encourage all members to contact me through the Sigma Xi Center at executiveoffice@sigmaxi.org.


George H. Atkinson