Muskingum College Sigma Xi Chapter

ABOUT SIGMA XI

History and Purpose Sigma Xi was founded in 1886 by a group of Cornell University students and a faculty member who sought to establish an honor society for scientists and engineers. Although societies such as Phi Beta Kappa were well established in the humanities, no comparable institution existed for science scholars. In order to fill this void, the Cornell group established a society to reward excellence in scientific research and to encourage a sense of companionship and cooperation among scientists in all fields. They called the organization Sigma Xi. Later, a motto based on these initials was adopted to confirm the purpose of the society: "Spoudon Xynones" or "Companions in Zealous Research". The first females were elected to membership by the Cornell chapter two years after Sigma Xi was founded.
Today, Sigma Xi has grown to include more than 500 chapters and clubs across North America and a limited number of groups abroad. Although until World War II Sigma Xi groups had been situated almost exclusively at academic institutions, many members recognized that much scientific research was being performed at government and industrial laboratories. To serve scientists in these locations, the Scientific Research Society of America (RESA) was formed. In 1974 RESA and Sigma Xi merged, and in 1976 the Society adopted its present name: Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society. 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. 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. Since its creation, Sigma Xi has elected over 375,000 members, of whom over 100,000 are currently active. A special centennial issue of Sigma Xi's journal, American Scientist, (September-October 1986) describes the Society's history in more detail. It also surveys the Sigma Xi of today and possible directions for the future.

Sigma Xi Mission Statement The following mission statement was adopted by Sigma Xi's Board of Directors in 1989. "The missions of Sigma Xi are to honor scientific accomplishments, to encourage and to enhance the worldwide appreciation and support of original investigation in science and technology, and to foster worldwide a creative and dynamic interaction among science, technology, and society." This statement outlines the purposes and goals of the Society for its second century.

PROGRAMS Distinguished Lecturships...an annual selection of important scholars who are available to serve as guest lecturers at Sigma Xi chapters.
Programs...a list of all Sigma Xi programs

Address and Phone Number for Sigma Xi National Headquarters:
Sigma Xi Headquarters
99 Alexander Drive
PO Box 13975
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
1-800-243-6534

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