WELCOME TO THE MSU CHAPTER OF SIGMA XI

     Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society is a non-profit membership society of nearly 75,000 scientists and engineers who were elected to the Society because of their research achievements or potential. Sigma Xi has more than 500 chapters at universities and colleges, government laboratories and industry research centers. In addition to publishing American Scientist, Sigma Xi awards grants annually to promising young researchers, holds forums on critical issues at the intersection of science and society and sponsors a variety of programs supporting honor in science and engineering, science education, science policy and the public understanding of science. For more information: www.sigmaxi.org

     The MSU chapter of Sigma Xi strives to promote and honor scientific research and teaching at MSU and the surrounding community. As part of our mission, we sponsor the Sigma XI Student Research Poster Competition, and hold an annual Sigma XI Recognition Banquet for students and faculty. For more information about MSU chapter activities, contact Judy Ratliff, President, at Judy.Ratliff@MurrayState.edu.

     Sigma Xi is the oldest and largest society of research scientists and engineers in the world.  It welcomes both faculty and students as members.  Indeed, membership and companionship in Sigma Xi are extended to all who merit the honor by demonstrating prowess in research.  This inclusiveness was quite unusual for honor societies at the time Sigma Xi was founded.   Indeed, the society takes great pride that in the second full year of the Society’s existence, five women were inducted in a class of 39.  Then in 1913­a year before Julian Lewis became the first African-American Ph.D. physiologist­he was inducted into the University of Chicago Chapter of Sigma Xi. 

    Sigma Xi was founded upon values.  Not content just to be different, it was intent on making a difference in the world around it.   From the beginning, Sigma Xi members focused on the big issues common to both its constituency and broader society alike, irrespective of scientific discipline.  In its early days the Society shook things up by championing modern engineering education.  This meant departing from apprenticeship and tried and true methods to focus instead on the new science research, more analysis, didactic instruction and field work. (Of course, this is the way modern engineering education is conducted today.) And throughout, Sigma Xi adhered to the core principles of honor and companionship. The central importance of companionship is reflected in our motto, Spoudon Xynones­Companions in Zealous Research. Our values have remained constant and all the progress we have made is consistent with those values. Today the Society continues to make an important difference that adds to our legacy.

     We not only are different by design but also designed to make a difference.  This ethic, with its emphasis on enriching the research journey through peer companionship, set the tone for the Society.  For 120 years our members have provided service to one another and to the greater society by creating many of the inventions and scientific advances that have improved the quality of life for all humankind.  This is consistent with our mission statement.  We like to say that our members come for the Honor but remain for the Service.

Local Events/Event Dates

2007-2008 MSU Chapter Sigma XI Officers & Activities
Sigma Xi MSU/UT Martin Symposium February 21st, 2009
Sigma Xi MSU/UT Martin Symposium Pictures
Sigma Xi Poster Competition Overview
Sigma XI Poster Competition Rules
Sigma XI Poster Competition Information and Link to URSA Entry Form
Student Poster Competition April 20th, 2009
Sigma Xi Annual Banquet April 21st, 2009

Last Update November, 2008

Created by Carl Woods, Science Resource Center
Murray State University, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology