About the Chapter

Purposes

Encouragement and support of scientific research and education, via free public science lectures, student research grants, student research symposia, and similar activities.

Chapter History

The Columbia-Willamette Chapter was formed in 2000 by the merger of the Portland State University Chapter and the Oregon Health and Science University Chapter. Its members include many Portland-area scientists who aren't affiliated with either academic institution. The PSU organization began as a Sigma Xi club in 1960 and became a chapter in 1974. The OHSU chapter was founded in 1952.

Sigma Xi Membership

Membership in Sigma Xi is by nomination. 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, nearly 200 members have won the Nobel Prize and many more have earned election to the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering.

Sigma Xi has more than 10,000 members who are students. These individuals can be nominated as either associate or full members depending on their scientific research accomplishments.

Any active (dues paying) full member may nominate an individual for membership. Individuals who meet the qualifications for membership may request nomination to membership. Please see the Qualifications for Membership and Nomination Procedure for more information. You may submit a nomination through the chapter.

Membership Initiation Fees and Dues

The Sigma Xi membership initiation fee is $20. The Columbia-Willamette Chapter pays that fee for new applicants who affiliate with this Chapter. Members pay Sigma Xi national dues plus chapter dues of $10 annually.