Welcome to the home page of the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chapter of Sigma Xi. Sigma Xi is an honor society for science and engineering researchers. Today, it is an international society whose programs and activities promote science and honor scientific achievement. Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, is the location of the international headquarters (Tel: 800-243-6534). The society publishes American Scientist, an award-winning magazine. Each issue features illustrated articles on a broad variety of topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, computing, psychology, anthropology, mathematics, and technology.


The Latest Chapter News:


* What is Sigma Xi?

* Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chapter

* Awards, Grants, and Programs

* Home Page of the Society

* Links of Interest




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.

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.

New officers, 2008 Banquet (l to r): Lisabeth DiLalla, Mike Hoane, Steven Esling ------------->

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE -- 2008-2009

LINKS TO:   OFFICERS AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES   and to   CHAPTER BYLAWS

COMMITTEE ON ADMISSIONS

The Committee on Admissions consists of the chapter President as chair, the President-Elect as recorder (ex officio without vote), and six members elected for staggered three-year terms.

PRESIDENTS OF SIUC CHAPTER OF SIGMA XI

PRESIDENTS OF SIUC SIGMA XI CLUB


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This Web page was originally created by George Waring and Michael Wainer in 1997. Correspondence pertaining to this Web page should be sent to -- ldilalla@siu.edu

This page was last updated 5 May 2008
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