January 20, 2017

Sigma Xi is seeking professional researchers and science communicators to judge the Student Research Showcase, a science communication competition for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Judges from the following disciplines are needed April 3–10 to evaluate and provide feedback on presentation websites: 

• anthropology

• agriculture, soil, and natural resources

• cell biology and biochemistry

• chemistry

• ecology and evolutionary biology

• engineering

• environmental sciences

• geo-sciences

• human behavioral and social sciences

• math and computer science

• microbiology and molecular biology

• physics and astronomy

• physiology and immunology

Each volunteer will judge up to 10 student websites that contain a research abstract, slideshow, and video. Judges interact with contestants by posting comments and questions on the sites, allowing flexibility with each judge’s personal schedule. No travel is required. The students compete to be named a division winner and receive up to $500. 

Judges should be career researchers with an advanced degree or science communicators; Sigma Xi membership is preferred, but not required. To volunteer by March 31, go to https://www.sigmaxi.org/meetings-events/volunteer.

The Public Can Help

Everyone can vote for the People’s Choice Award winner during the competition, based on the merit of the presentation’s video. The winner receives up to $250. 

Find more details on the Student Research Showcase page.