February 12, 2019

Media Contact:
Heather Thorstensen
Manager of Communications
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
hthorstensen@sigmaxi.org or (919) 549-4691 ext. 216

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC—The Student Research Showcase (SRS) will debut a new award in 2019 that will give participating science and engineering students the chance to win double the prize money than they could before. 

Traditionally, winners from the high school, undergraduate school, and graduate school divisions have won awards of up to $500 each but starting this year one of the three division winners will also be named the overall top presenter, an honor that comes with an additional $500 prize. 

“The new prize will hopefully encourage more students to participate and learn how to effectively communicate scientific findings,” said Janelle Simmons, manager of programs for Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, which hosts the competition. “Sigma Xi is committed to helping students develop these skills so that they can become the next generation of researchers and support the public’s understanding of science.”

The online contest challenges students to create a website containing a research abstract, slideshow, and video about their research. Each element has a designated audience in mind so students must tailor their presentations based on an audience’s knowledge about their topic. 

Students who wish to participate should submit a research abstract via www.sigmaxi.org/srs by February 22 for approval. Approved students will have through March 22 to register and submit websites. Qualified Sigma Xi members will volunteer as judges April 15–April 29 and provide feedback to participants. Award winners will be announced on May 6. A public vote after the competition ends selects one student for a $250 People’s Choice Award.