March 06, 2025
Media Contact:
Jason Papagan
Manager of Communications
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
jpapagan@sigmaxi.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina—Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, an internationally renowned society of science and engineering, announces a renewed partnership with Happy: Frictionless Mental Health—a groundbreaking, proactive emotional support solution designed to remove barriers to mental health care and create a culture of well-being among members.
The two organizations previously collaborated in 2021 to support the research community with mental health concerns caused and amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as the landscape of scientific research continues to evolve amid new uncertainties, Sigma Xi is reaffirming its commitment to the emotional well-being of its members by reintroducing Happy’s proactive peer-based support model—a first-of-its-kind solution designed to provide real-time, human connection when it’s needed most.
The new partnership will inform Sigma Xi members about the benefits of emotional support, as well as provide access to personalized, peer-based support services at no cost. The Happy platform uses advanced data and a unique vetting process to provide a network of 24/7, on-demand services that connect individuals with support givers who have an exceptional ability to provide immediate and compassionate emotional support.
"At a time when scientific research is more critical than ever, we must ensure that our members have the emotional support they need to thrive,” said Sigma Xi CEO Jamie Vernon. "By renewing our partnership with Happy, we are reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of researchers at all career stages, providing them with a proactive support system that meets them where they are."
Sigma Xi members now have an unprecedented opportunity to access proactive emotional support through Happy. Whether facing professional challenges, personal stressors, or simply needing someone to talk to, Happy is available—no appointments, no apps, no barriers.
Together, Sigma Xi and Happy are making mental health support more accessible, effective, and frictionless for the scientific community.
More about Happy:
Happy is trusted by major health systems, government organizations, and frontline industries, providing emotional support to those who need it most. Its Frictionless Mental Health™ model delivers industry-leading adoption rates and measurable improvements in well-being, including:
✔ 30% adoption rate—higher than any mental health service in the country
✔ 84% of calls reduce loneliness
✔ 81% of calls reduce depression
✔ 7.5:1 ROI in reducing emergency mental health crises
In addition to supporting the research community, Happy is making a difference across high-stress industries:
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Healthcare Workers & First Responders – Reducing burnout and secondary trauma among medical professionals.
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Veterans & Military Communities – Providing support for those transitioning to civilian life.
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Workforce Mental Health – Helping organizations proactively support employees and improve retention.
To learn more, visit frictionlessmentalhealth.com