About Us

Sigma Xi -- The Scientific Research Society

Sigma Xi was founded in 1886 as an honor society for science and engineering. The name "Sigma Xi" (pronounced 'zi') stands for "Spoudon Xynones" -- Companions in Zealous Research. Today, it is an international research society whose programs and activities promote the health of the scientific enterprise and honor scientific achievement. There are nearly 90,000 Sigma Xi members in more than 500 chapters at colleges and universities, industrial research centers, and government laboratories. For information about our local awards, click here.

In addition to honoring scientific achievement, Sigma Xi also endeavors to encourage support of original work in science and technology and promote an appreciation within society at large for the role research has played in human progress. During its centennial celebration in 1986, Sigma Xi adopted an additional mission: to foster worldwide interactions among science, technology, and society.

Membership in Sigma Xi is by invitation. Those who have shown potential as researchers are invited to join as associate members. Full membership is conferred upon those who have demonstrated noteworthy achievements in research. Each year the Society initiates more than 5,000 new members. Over the course of the Society's distinguished history, more than 170 members have won the Nobel Prize and many more have earned election to the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering.

Election to Sigma Xi is for life, and acceptance of membership carries certain obligations. The Bylaws of the Society require that each Member-elect and Associate Member-elect must assent, either orally or in writing, to the Pledge of the Society: "I hereby pledge myself, in accordance with the purposes and objectives of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, to foster companionship and cooperation among scientists, to maintain honor, integrity, and honesty in all scientific activities, and to assume the other continuing responsibilities of membership." One of the best ways to fulfill these obligations is through active membership in the Society, including payment of annual dues, participation in chapter or club activities, and recommendation of qualified individuals for membership.

A special centennial issue of AMERICAN SCIENTIST (September-October 1986) describes the Society's history.

The Local Chapter

Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chapter

Sigma Xi was established at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 1957. At first it was recognized as a club; then, after a period of successful operation, a formal petition for chapter status was presented to the Society. All aspects of the University's educational and research program in basic and applied sciences were scrutinized and viewed favorably. Chapter status was granted in 1966. Today there are approximately 150 active members in the Chapter. In guiding the Society's activities, the Executive Committee (officers and immediate past-president) follows established Chapter Bylaws. Elected positions are chapter officers and the Committee on Admissions; committees appointed by the President are the Nominating Committee, Kaplan Award Committee, and the Endowed Speaker Program Committee.

2023 Officers (l to r): Matt Young, President; Mary Kinsel, Past President, Justin Schoof, Secretary; Liz DiLalla, Webmaster; James Conder, Treasurer; Riley Marshall, Student Liaison

Officers And Their Responsibilities    Chapter Bylaws