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Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold Highlights Keynote Lineup for Upcoming IFoRE Conference

June 19, 2023

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society is proud to announce the Keynote Speakers for its 2023 International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE). Dr. Frances Arnold, the Linus Pauling Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering and Biochemistry at the California Institute of Technology, will be the featured Saturday speaker for the annual conference, which brings together STEM students and professionals from all scientific disciplines to celebrate excellence in the research enterprise and its impact on the betterment of society. Other Keynote Speakers include Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Suzanne Scarlata, Florida Atlantic University's James M. Sullivan, Northern Arizona University's Miguel Jose Yacaman, and McGill University's Richard Boudreault.

IFoRE '23 is an international event taking place November 10–12 in Long Beach, California. In addition to the lineup of distinguished speakers, the conference will include panel discussions, workshops, student research awards, networking opportunities, and social events. IFoRE is open to all students and professionals across the research enterprise and will follow the one-day annual business meeting and Assembly of Delegates for Sigma Xi chapter leaders on November 9.

Dr. Arnold received the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for pioneering directed evolution methods used to make enzymes for applications in sustainable chemistry across medicine, consumer products, agriculture, fuels and chemicals. In 2021, she was appointed co-chair of the Presidential Council of Advisors for Science and Technology (PCAST) by President Biden. She also received the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Obama. Her Key Thought session will discuss evolution and clean chemistry, including a special breakout discussion for IFoRE student attendees to connect and chat with the Nobel Laureate.

Visit experienceIFoRE.org/speakers to learn more.