Sigma Xi

Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society

Abby King '12 sectioning mouse livers as part of her thesis research.

Abby King ’12 sectioning mouse livers as part of her thesis research.

Sigma Xi, is an honor society and scientific research organization founded in 1868 to reward excellence in scientific research and to encourage fellowship and cooperation among scientists in all fields. Each spring a group of Bates students is elected to Associate Membership by our local branch, the Southern Maine Chapter. They are nominated by Bates faculty members on the basis of demonstrated aptitude for scientific research, often achieved through excellence in summer research, or work toward a senior thesis. Election to Sigma Xi is an internationally recognized mark of achievement in the sciences. Our Chapter has received several awards for the number of new members we elect, an indication of the vitality of the sciences at Bates. New student members are inducted in a ceremony held during Commencement Weekend each spring.

In addition, any Bates student (not just those elected to membership) conducting research in mathematics, a natural science, or a social science is eligible to apply for small research awards through the Sigma Xi Grants-in-Aid-of-Research program. Deadlines are March 15 and October 15 annually. The Southern Maine Chapter, founded in 1990, also sponsors an annual Sigma Xi lecture and several other events.

For information and questions about the Bates College Sigma Xi group, contact:

Contact Information

Larissa Williams, Associate Professor and Chair of Biology
45 Campus Ave, BSC 215
Lewiston, ME 04240
(207) 786-8202
lwillia2@bates.edu