April 26, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NORTH CAROLINA – Two leading science organizations have entered into collaboration to promote scientific research, advance STEM education, and improve ethics and overall quality in all aspects of science.

Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Association of Academies of Science (NAAS), establishing a partnership between the global broad-based organizations. The agreement is intended to jointly enrich the two organizations’ memberships and the public-at-large through a full array of partnership opportunities in membership, programs, publications, communications, and science policy.

The NAAS encompasses 47 state and regional academies of science, which are organized to encourage all facets of scientific inquiry and experiences. Headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the not-for-profit organization exists to foster science and technology leadership, learning, and literacy in state and regional communities, as well as excellence and equity in science and technology education, research, and policy development. Additionally, the NAAS sponsors and supports the activities of the American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS).

“We are thrilled to forge an alliance with Sigma Xi,” said NAAS President Donna Gerardi. “With so many shared core values, especially in STEM education, the benefits to students, members, and the public-at-large will be substantial.”

With nearly 300,000 elected members, including more than 200 Nobel laureates, Sigma Xi is the world’s largest multidisciplinary honor society for scientists and engineers. Headquartered in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park, its mission is to enhance the health of the research enterprise, foster integrity in science and engineering, and promote the public understanding of science for the purpose of improving the human condition. More than 500 Sigma Xi chapters can be found at colleges and universities, government agencies and laboratories, and industry research centers around the world. Sigma Xi publishes the award-winning bi-monthly magazine, American Scientist, and its Grants in Aid of Research program has awarded over 30,000 research grants to graduate and undergraduate students since 1922. 

“For decades, the missions of these two organizations have aligned in many ways,” said Sigma Xi Executive Director and CEO Jamie Vernon. “We are looking forward to joining forces to enhance the benefits and experiences of our members, as well as strengthening our joint efforts to foster excellence in science through this new partnership.”