March 07, 2025

Dear Sigma Xi members, 

We are writing to initiate a conversation with you about the steps Sigma Xi is taking to address the ongoing challenges facing our community.

As you know, scientific research is essential for addressing global challenges, expanding knowledge, and driving technological and economic progress. Since its founding at Cornell University in 1886, Sigma Xi has played a vital role in advancing the American research community and, in recent decades, has contributed to scientific progress worldwide. These efforts depend on strong American leadership to engage and inspire scientists and engineers globally, ultimately improving lives, and fostering prosperity and security.

However, recent actions by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and broader shifts in federal science policy have created uncertainty about the future of U.S. research funding. Delays, conflicting information, and funding disruptions are not only causing anxiety among researchers but also threatening vital discoveries and slowing scientific progress. These challenges, combined with concerning rhetoric and policy changes, risk weakening the U.S. research enterprise and its global impact.

We understand the distress and disruption that many in our community are experiencing. Sigma Xi is committed to standing with all our members, offering support, and working toward solutions. To help navigate these uncertain times, we are renewing and expanding initiatives to provide direct assistance to our members:

• Mental Health Support—We are relaunching our program to provide mental health resources for members experiencing stress and anxiety due to ongoing challenges in the scientific landscape.
• Job and Career Support—For those who have lost positions or resigned from federal agencies, Sigma Xi will create a dedicated platform for sharing job opportunities and career resources.
• Informational Webinars—We will host a series of webinars featuring policy experts, university leaders, and science advocates to help our community navigate the rapid changes affecting federal science policy.

The planning and implementation of these initiatives is currently underway. The details are forthcoming, and we welcome your ideas and recommendations for additional initiatives.

In addition to these efforts, we urge you to make your voice heard. Decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of the research enterprise. Scientists, engineers, and researchers of all disciplines must stand together to champion the integrity and future of scientific inquiry. We encourage you to contact your elected representatives to express your concerns about cuts to federal research funding and policies that undermine scientific progress. Also, share your unique stories about the positive impact of your research on public health, security, and the economy. You can find your representatives and their contact information here: https://www.house.gov/representatives/find-your-representative

This is a pivotal moment for the scientific community. While the challenges we face are significant, so is our collective strength. Sigma Xi remains committed to advocating for research, supporting our members, and working with our partners to ensure a strong and stable future for science.

We also understand President Trump has a new vision for the research enterprise. The path forward will require cooperation. We will start by calling for the administration to swiftly share its plan for the future of the research enterprise. Further delay and prolonged uncertainty could permanently undermine the integrity of American science and technology leadership. We will keep you informed of our progress.

Finally, the most powerful contribution you can make at this moment is to continue to champion as well as uphold honor, integrity, and honesty in all scientific activities. As members of Sigma Xi, we are bound by a commitment to scientific excellence for the good of humanity. We must stay true to our mission.

If you have concerns or ideas, or need support, please reach out. We are here for you. Together, we will stand up for science and safeguard its future.

Sincerely,

Kathy Lu, President


Dan Rubenstein, President-elect


Marija Strojnik, Immediate Past-president 


Jamie L. Vernon, Executive Director 

and the Board of Directors
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society