February 28, 2018

Sigma Xi chapters can bring lecturers who are on the leading edge of science to their area and receive financial support to do so. Chapters can apply for a subsidy to help cover the costs of hosting a distinguished lecturer. The application deadline is March 1, 2018, to receive funds in time for a lecturer visit between July 1, 2018, and June 30, 2019. Apply online at www.sigmaxi.org/programs/lectureships/chapter-subsidy.

The Committee on Lectureships decides which chapters receive the subsidy and gives priority to those that show evidence that the lecture will provide the greatest possible benefit. Committee members review the applying chapter’s location, budget, institution size, and opportunity to coordinate the visit with other chapters. The committee typically announces funding decisions in May. 

The current cohort of lecturers can speak to a range of topics including how to build a sustainable future, improve diversity in research, understand the biology of HIV protein assemblies, or learn about space-time. See the list of 2018–2019 lecturers at www.sigmaxi.org/programs/lectureships/2018-2019-lecturers.

Distinguished lecturers are also featured in online talks that are free, interactive, open to the public, and moderated by American Scientist editors. The 2018 schedule will be available soon. Recordings of past talks are available at www.sigmaxi.org/programs/lectureships/previously-recorded-q-a-sessions.