June 17, 2021

For Immediate Release

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. ― American Scientist, a publication of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, has been recognized for its excellence and leadership in association publishing. On June 16th, SIIA’s Association Media and Publishing (AM&P) presented the Society’s magazine with four EXCEL Awards during a live, on-line ceremony.

American Scientist won a Silver Award for Diversity and Inclusion Feature, as well as Bronze Awards for General Excellence, Design Excellence, and Feature Article. The awards competition, which is open to nonprofit and for-profit associations, received 575 entries and 240 were awarded by judges. In total, the competition announced 81 Gold Awards, 84 Silver Awards, and 75 Bronze Awards. 

"The entire staff of American Scientist is proud to continue the magazine’s longstanding legacy of showcasing cutting-edge scientific research and helping the scientists behind it tell their own stories in an understandable, engaging way, with original and innovative graphics," said Fenella Saunders, editor-in-chief. "We greatly appreciate this honor from Association Media and Publishing and are especially gratified to have our work on diversity and inclusion recognized in these awards, as that has long been an ongoing mission of the publication.”

Below are the 2021 EXCEL Awards received by American Scientist:

Silver Award
Diversity and Inclusion Feature

"The Women Who Discovered RNA Splicing" by Pnina Abir-Am (September–October 2020 issue)

Bronze Award
Journals – General Excellence

This award recognizes the best writing, content, design, and overall packaging. It is based on review of American Scientist’s May–June 2020, July–August 2020, and September–October 2020 issues.

Bronze Award
Feature Article

“What Parkinson’s Reveals About the Artistic Spark” by Matthew Pelowski, Blanca T. M. Spee, Alby Richard, Paul Krack, and Bastiaan R. Bloem (July–August 2020 issue)

Bronze Award
Journals – Design Excellence

This award recognizes the best use of images and design that draws the reader into the text. It is based on review of American Scientist’s July–August 2020, September–October 2020, and November–December 2020 issues. Barbara Aulicino was the art director on these issues.

Sigma Xi has published American Scientist since 1913. Six issues per year showcase articles written by the world’s leading researchers, who share descriptions of their work and their perspectives on today’s leading issues in science, technology, engineering, and math. With a combination of clear writing and editing, beautiful photography, and innovative graphics, American Scientist contributes toward Sigma Xi's mission to "promote the public's understanding of science for the purpose of improving the human condition.” Sigma Xi is a multidisciplinary, international honor society for scientists and engineers. In addition to promoting the public understanding of science, Sigma Xi supports the health of the research enterprise and fosters integrity in research.

AM&P has recognized American Scientist with EXCEL Awards in the past, including 10 Gold Awards, 5 Silver Awards, and 7 Bronze Awards since 2016. See the full list of 2021 winners.