Sigma Xi endeavors to encourage support of original work across the spectrum of science and technology and to promote an appreciation within society at large for the role research has played in human progress. To that end, Sigma Xi publishes the award-winning American Scientist magazine, awards hundreds of grants annually to promising student researchers and sponsors a variety of programs that serve science and society. Primary programmatic interests include research ethics, science and engineering education, the public understanding of science, international research networking and the overall health of the research enterprise.

The University of Cincinnati chapter was the 45th of almost 1000 Sigma Xi chapters world wide. Our charter was granted in December, 1925, and the chapter was installed on April 29, 1926, with an initial membership of 37. At the time we petitioned the national society for membership, there were 497 faculty at UC, 293 of whom were engaged in scientific work. The total student enrollment at the time was 234, with 295 enrolled in graduate school and 51 of those being candidates for degrees in science. At that time, beside the departments one normally associates with UC, there was a Leather Research Laboratory, a Lithographic Research lab, and a Basic Science Research lab. This last lab brought together workers in math, physics, physical chemistry, biochemistry, and bacteriology to pool their knowledge to apply the laws of the atom and molecule to various fields of scientific endeavor.  All of these labs offered advanced students a chance for scientific research. The first chapter president was O. C. von Schlichten, vice president was G. D. McLaughlin, and secretary-treasurer was S. B. Arenson.  Currently the UC chapter boasts 202 active members.

(Information about UC Chapter History provided by Dr. Sunny Saelinger, Molecular Genetics)