Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society, Duke University chapter records, 1930-1995

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Summary

Creator:
Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Duke University chapter.
Abstract:
The Duke chapter of Sigma Xi, an honorary society recognizing scientific research, was formed in 1932. Types of materials included in this collection are: pamphlets, minutes, financial records, membership nominations, rosters, and correspondence. Major subjects include research in science and medicine, honor society membership, Duke University scholarship, and Sigma Xi. Materials range in date from 1930-1995.
Extent:
6 Linear Feet
6000 Items
Language:
Material in English
Collection ID:
UA.31.14.0001
University Archives Record Group:
31 -- Student/Campus Life
31 -- Student/Campus Life > 14 -- Student Organizations – Sciences and Mathematics

Background

Scope and content:

Contains materials relating to the Duke University chapter of Sigma Xi's petition for establishment, membership nominations, minutes, programs, conference notes, lecture advertisements, correspondence, grant applications and awards materials, and printed material. Materials range in date from 1930-1995.

Biographical / historical:

Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, is a non-profit membership society of nearly 75,000 scientists and engineers. Sigma Xi is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, N.C. and 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 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.

The idea for a Duke University chapter of Sigma Xi was conceived during spring 1929, when a number of people interested in scientific research across departments began to meet on campus. They contacted Sigma Xi's national secretary regarding proper organization of a chapter and then held a general interest meeting was held in New Science Hall on Duke's East Campus in 1929. With fourteen members, the Sigma Xi Club of Duke University organized as a club and elected officers. As the petition for full membership to the national society continued, the members of the club were called on to present the history of the University and summaries of their own research. Their completed formal petition was accepted in June, 1932 and the charter granted in December 1932. Installation took place March 23, 1933. Some early members who petitioned for the charter were: Ruth Margery Addoms, Lucius Aurelius Bigelow, Bert Cunningham, Wilburt Cornell Davison, Joseph Banks Rhine, and Frederick Adolphus Wolf.

The Duke University chapter of Sigma Xi holds meetings about six times per year. Initiations are held annually and feature a keynote address from a professional in the sciences. Election to Sigma Xi is arranged through a campus department representative, with members coming from all departments in social, physical, and medical sciences. New members are elected to Sigma Xi as associates or full members, depending on their research contributions. New members must have demonstrated abilities in conducting research and a potential for leadership in their field.

The Duke University chapter offers grants to students and professionals in the community. Smaller grants have been awarded to science teachers in North Carolina, while Duke University students have received awards for travel, field work, and conferences.

Acquisition information:
The Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Duke University chapter records were received by the University Archives as a transfer in 1974-1977, 1996.
Processing information:

Processed by Emily Glenn, January 2003

Encoded by Sherrie Bowser, January 2008

Accessions 74-61, 77-26, 77-69, 77-118 were merged into one collection, described in this finding aid.

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Contents

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Restrictions:

Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection.

In off-site storage; 48 hours advance notice is required for use.

Terms of access:

Copyright for Official University records is held by Duke University; all other copyright is retained by the authors of items in these papers, or their descendants, as stipulated by United States copyright law.

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Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society. Duke University chapter Records, Duke University Archives, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University.