Getting recognition from Sigma XI can change careers. Scientists who receive this honor join a group of top researchers who have made big impacts in their fields. Sending a strong nomination email is key to helping your colleague get this honor.
The samples below show different ways to write these emails. Each one highlights why the person deserves this award. Use these as guides when you write your own nomination.
Sigma XI Nomination Email Samples
These emails demonstrate effective ways to nominate outstanding colleagues for Sigma XI membership. Each sample showcases a different approach to highlight a nominee’s qualifications.
1. Simple and Direct Nomination
Subject: Nomination of Dr. Sarah Chen for Sigma XI Membership
Dear Sigma XI Selection Committee,
I am writing to nominate Dr. Sarah Chen, Associate Professor of Biochemistry at Westlake University, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Chen has published 18 peer-reviewed articles in top journals including Nature and Science during her 8-year career. Her research on protein folding has led to two patents and a new method now used in labs across the country.
She has mentored 12 graduate students to completion and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Biochemistry. Her work has received over $2 million in funding from the National Science Foundation and private sources.
Dr. Chen regularly presents at major conferences and has won the Young Researcher Award from the American Biochemical Society. She brings fresh ideas to old problems and builds strong research teams.
Her work meets all the standards that Sigma XI values, and her membership would benefit both her and the society. I have attached her CV and publication list as requested.
Thank you for considering this nomination.
Sincerely,
[Signature block: Full name, title, institution, contact information, Sigma XI member ID number]
2. Detailed Research Accomplishments Nomination
Subject: Sigma XI Membership Nomination – Dr. Marcus Johnson
Dear Selection Committee Members,
This letter nominates Dr. Marcus Johnson, Head of Marine Biology at Pacific Coast University, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Johnson has studied coral reef ecosystems for 15 years. His work has changed how we think about reef recovery after bleaching events. His 2020 paper in Marine Ecology showed that certain coral species can adapt faster than we thought. This finding helps conservation groups focus their efforts.
His research team has collected data from 47 reef systems worldwide, building the largest database of its kind. They share this data openly with other scientists, showing his commitment to open science.
Under his guidance, his lab has published 32 papers in the last decade. He has trained 23 graduate students who now hold positions at top research institutions.
Dr. Johnson secured a $5.8 million grant last year to expand his reef monitoring program. This work will help coastal communities plan for climate change effects.
He brings solid research skills and a passion for mentoring young scientists. Sigma XI would gain an active member who would contribute greatly to the society.
Please find attached his full CV and three most cited publications.
Regards,
[Signature block: Name, Professional title, Department, University affiliation, Email, Phone, Date of Sigma XI induction]
3. Emphasis on Teaching and Mentorship
Subject: Nomination for Sigma XI – Dr. Leila Patel
Dear Sigma XI Committee,
I wish to nominate Dr. Leila Patel, Assistant Professor of Physics at Riverdale College, for membership in Sigma XI.
While Dr. Patel has an impressive research record with 11 publications in quantum computing, her biggest impact comes from her teaching and mentorship. She has transformed how physics is taught at our institution.
She created a program that pairs first-year students with senior researchers, giving young students early research experience. This program has increased physics major retention by 45% in just three years.
Dr. Patel personally mentors 15 students each year. Five of her undergraduate students have won national research awards. She developed a summer workshop that helps students from groups that are not well represented in physics prepare for graduate school.
Her teaching methods have been adopted by three other departments at our college. She won the Outstanding Educator Award two years in a row based on student nominations.
Though early in her career, she shows the perfect mix of research skill and dedication to bringing new scientists into the field. These qualities match Sigma XI’s mission to help the next generation of researchers.
Supporting documents are attached for your review.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Signature block: Name, Academic position, Department information, Email and phone contacts, Years as Sigma XI member]
4. Focus on Interdisciplinary Contributions
Subject: Sigma XI Membership Nomination for Dr. Robert Kang
Esteemed Sigma XI Selection Committee,
I am pleased to nominate Dr. Robert Kang, Associate Professor with joint appointments in Computer Science and Environmental Studies at Tech State University, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Kang has built his career by connecting different fields. His work using artificial intelligence to track climate change effects has created a new research area. His models help predict which regions will face the biggest challenges from changing weather patterns.
He leads a team of 18 researchers from six disciplines. This group has published 14 papers that bridge technology and environmental science. Their work has been featured twice on the cover of Scientific American.
Dr. Kang created a cross-department PhD program that trains students to use data science for environmental problems. This program now has 35 students and has been copied by seven other universities.
His grant record totals $8.7 million from both government and private sources. Companies have used his modeling methods to reduce their carbon footprint while saving money.
Dr. Kang represents the kind of boundary-crossing research that moves science forward. Sigma XI would benefit from his fresh approach and connections across different fields.
His CV and selected publications are attached.
Best regards,
[Signature block: Full name, Professional designation, University position, Contact details, Date joined Sigma XI, Research specialization]
5. Early Career Researcher Nomination
Subject: Nominating Dr. Jasmine Torres for Sigma XI Membership
Dear Members of the Sigma XI Selection Committee,
This letter nominates Dr. Jasmine Torres, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Neuroscience at Central Medical Center, for membership in Sigma XI.
Though early in her career, Dr. Torres has already made notable contributions to our field. Since earning her PhD two years ago, she has published four papers in top journals, including a first-author paper in Neuron that has been cited 87 times already.
Her research on memory formation uses new brain imaging methods she helped refine. This technique allows for less harmful observation of neural connections forming during learning tasks.
Dr. Torres won the New Investigator Grant from the Brain Research Foundation last year, which is rare for someone at the postdoctoral level. She used this funding to start a research line that may help understand early markers of memory disorders.
She has shown amazing productivity while also mentoring three graduate students and creating a journal club that helps researchers stay current with new findings.
Dr. Torres represents the future of neuroscience research. Bringing her into Sigma XI now would help support her growing career while adding a fresh voice to the society.
Her CV and recommendation letters are attached.
Sincerely,
[Signature block: Name and credentials, Position title, Laboratory affiliation, Email address, Phone number, Sigma XI membership information]
6. Industry Researcher Nomination
Subject: Sigma XI Membership Nomination – Dr. Thomas Wright
Sigma XI Selection Committee,
I nominate Dr. Thomas Wright, Lead Research Scientist at PharmaTech Industries, for membership in Sigma XI.
Unlike many nominees, Dr. Wright works outside academia but maintains strong research standards and scientific impact. During his 12 years in industry, he has led drug discovery teams that developed two medications now helping patients with autoimmune conditions.
He has 16 patents and 23 peer-reviewed publications to his name. Despite working in a competitive industry, he champions open science practices whenever possible. His team shares negative results to help other researchers avoid dead ends.
Dr. Wright maintains academic connections by guest lecturing at three universities and serving on two PhD committees each year. He started a summer internship program that has trained 45 students in industry research methods.
His research team won the Innovation Award from the Pharmaceutical Research Council two years running. Their methods for drug screening are now standard across the industry.
Dr. Wright would bring a valuable industry perspective to Sigma XI while upholding the highest standards of scientific inquiry. His membership would help bridge the gap between academic and corporate research communities.
Please see attached materials documenting his accomplishments.
Kind regards,
[Signature block: Full name with degrees, Current position, Company name, Business address, Contact information, Sigma XI chapter affiliation]
7. Community Engagement Focus
Subject: Nomination of Dr. Maria Gonzalez for Sigma XI Membership
Dear Sigma XI Membership Committee,
I write to nominate Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Professor of Public Health at City University, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Gonzalez has built an outstanding research program while also making science work for local communities. Her studies on urban air quality have led to 17 peer-reviewed publications and three policy changes in our city.
She created the “Science in the Neighborhood” program, which trains community members to collect air quality data. This program has spread to 12 cities and involved over 400 citizen scientists. The data gathered has identified pollution hotspots that were previously unknown.
Her research has received $3.2 million in funding from federal agencies and local foundations. She recently won the Public Health Impact Award for connecting research to real-world outcomes.
Dr. Gonzalez mentors students from groups that are not well represented in science. Fourteen of her former students now hold research positions, increasing diversity in our field.
She brings both scientific rigor and community connection to her work. Sigma XI would benefit from her ability to make research matter to everyday people while maintaining the highest research standards.
Supporting documentation is attached for your review.
Respectfully,
[Signature block: Name, Academic rank, Department, University, Address, Phone, Email, Sigma XI member since year]
8. International Collaboration Emphasis
Subject: Sigma XI Membership Nomination for Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka
Distinguished Selection Committee,
I nominate Dr. Hiroshi Tanaka, Professor of Materials Science at Global Technical University, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Tanaka has built research partnerships across borders that show science at its most collaborative. His international team spans 7 countries and has developed new materials that conduct electricity with almost no resistance at room temperature.
He has published 28 papers in high-impact journals, with researchers from 14 countries as co-authors. His lab hosts visiting scientists from around the world, creating a hub for knowledge exchange.
Dr. Tanaka secured multi-national funding totaling $12 million for his research program. He organized three international conferences that brought together experts who might otherwise never collaborate.
His materials research has applications in energy storage, computing, and medical devices. Two companies have licensed his patents to develop products that may reduce global energy consumption.
Dr. Tanaka teaches in three languages and has mentored students from 9 countries. He created an online platform where materials scientists share raw data and methods across borders.
His global approach to science makes him an ideal Sigma XI member who would strengthen international connections within the society.
All supporting materials are attached with this nomination.
Yours sincerely,
[Signature block: Name and titles, Academic position, University name, Country, International phone with country code, Email address, Sigma XI membership details]
9. Innovation and Patents Highlight
Subject: Dr. Lisa Monroe – Nomination for Sigma XI Membership
Members of the Sigma XI Selection Committee,
I nominate Dr. Lisa Monroe, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Tech Institute, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Monroe stands out for turning research into practical solutions. She has been awarded 11 patents that have led to products now used worldwide. Her membrane filtration system has been installed in water treatment plants serving over 2 million people.
She has published 19 papers detailing both the science behind her innovations and their real-world applications. Her work bridges the gap between basic research and engineered solutions to pressing problems.
Dr. Monroe founded the University Innovation Lab, which helps researchers develop and patent their discoveries. This lab has supported 35 patent applications from faculty across departments.
She raised $7.4 million in research funding and an additional $3.6 million in venture capital for a startup based on her water filtration technology. This company now employs 27 people, including 8 recent graduates from her department.
Dr. Monroe represents the full cycle of scientific discovery through to practical application. Her membership would bring valuable expertise in turning research into solutions that help people.
I have attached her CV, patent list, and publication record for your review.
With appreciation for your consideration,
[Signature block: Full name and professional designations, Academic department, Contact details, Professional licenses held, Sigma XI membership information]
10. Research Team Leadership
Subject: Sigma XI Membership Nomination for Dr. James Wilson
Honored Committee Members,
I put forward Dr. James Wilson, Director of the Climate Research Center at State University, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Wilson excels at building and leading large research teams. He has created a collaborative environment where 45 researchers work across traditional boundaries to study climate patterns. This team structure has been profiled as a model in Scientific Leadership Journal.
Under his guidance, the Center has published 64 papers in the past five years. Their climate models have proven more accurate than previous versions at predicting regional changes. These models now inform planning decisions for three state governments.
Dr. Wilson has secured stable funding of $4.1 million annually through a mix of government grants, private donations, and industry partnerships. This funding supports both senior scientists and 23 graduate students.
He implemented a flat team structure that gives early career researchers more voice in project direction. This approach has kept talented scientists at the Center, with staff turnover at just 7% compared to the 24% field average.
As a Sigma XI member, Dr. Wilson would bring valuable insights on building effective research teams and managing large scientific projects.
All requested nomination materials are attached.
Respectfully yours,
[Signature block: Name, Professional position, Research center affiliation, Contact information, Years of scientific service, Sigma XI membership details]
11. Advocacy for Scientific Funding
Subject: Nomination of Dr. Rebecca Okafor for Sigma XI
Dear Sigma XI Membership Committee,
I nominate Dr. Rebecca Okafor, Professor of Geology at Mountain State University, for membership in Sigma XI.
Beyond her excellent research record of 27 publications on seismic activity, Dr. Okafor has become a powerful voice for science funding. She has testified before state and federal legislative committees eight times, helping secure increased research budgets.
She founded the Science Policy Network, which trains researchers to communicate with policymakers. This program has prepared over 200 scientists to advocate for evidence-based policies and research support.
Dr. Okafor writes a monthly column on science policy that reaches 15,000 readers. Her clear explanations of complex funding mechanisms have helped both scientists and the public understand how research is supported.
She has raised $2.8 million for her own geological research while helping colleagues secure an additional $14 million through her grant-writing workshops. Twenty-two early career researchers credit her mentorship with helping them receive their first grants.
Dr. Okafor brings both research excellence and practical knowledge of how to sustain scientific work through effective advocacy. Sigma XI would benefit from her expertise in securing support for scientific research.
Her CV and supporting documents are attached.
Thank you for your consideration,
[Signature block: Name with academic credentials, University position, Department, Contact details, Professional organization memberships including Sigma XI, Research specialties]
12. Public Communication of Science
Subject: Sigma XI Membership Nomination – Dr. Alan Peters
To the Sigma XI Selection Committee,
I nominate Dr. Alan Peters, Associate Professor of Astronomy at City College, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Peters combines research excellence with outstanding science communication. His 14 research papers on exoplanet detection have advanced our field, while his public outreach has brought astronomy to millions.
His weekly podcast “Stars and Planets” has over 200,000 listeners and makes complex astronomical concepts clear to general audiences. He has written two books for non-scientists that have sold over 75,000 copies combined.
Dr. Peters appears regularly on national science programs as an expert commentator. His planetarium show has toured to 18 cities and been seen by over 400,000 people. He trains graduate students in public speaking and media engagement.
His research lab discovered three exoplanets last year using a method he helped refine. This work received $1.6 million in funding from the Space Science Foundation and has been published in top astronomy journals.
As a Sigma XI member, Dr. Peters would strengthen the connection between research excellence and public engagement with science, supporting a key part of the society’s mission.
All supporting documentation is attached.
Sincerely,
[Signature block: Name, Academic position, College information, Professional contact details, Current scientific projects, Sigma XI membership number]
13. Collaborative Cross-institutional Research
Subject: Nomination for Sigma XI Membership – Dr. Carlos Diaz
Esteemed Selection Committee Members,
I am nominating Dr. Carlos Diaz, Research Professor at the Institute for Advanced Materials, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Diaz has built research partnerships across 5 institutions that break down traditional barriers between universities. His collaborative approach has created a network of 37 researchers who share equipment, data, and ideas freely.
This network has published 31 papers with authors from multiple institutions. Their shared database of material properties is used by researchers worldwide. Dr. Diaz secured agreements that make expensive equipment at each institution available to all network members.
He raised $9.3 million in funding that is distributed across partner labs based on project needs rather than institutional affiliation. This model has been cited as a new approach to research collaboration by the National Science Foundation.
Dr. Diaz mentors students at all five institutions through video conferencing and regular visits. Fifteen of his students have gone on to start similar collaborative networks in their own research areas.
His approach to breaking down institutional boundaries while maintaining research excellence makes him an ideal Sigma XI member who would bring fresh collaborative approaches to the society.
All required nomination materials are attached.
With appreciation,
[Signature block: Full name and degrees, Position, Institute name and location, Email address, Phone number, Research areas, Sigma XI membership status]
14. Diversity and Inclusion Champion
Subject: Dr. Sophia Washington – Sigma XI Membership Nomination
Dear Committee Members,
I nominate Dr. Sophia Washington, Professor of Chemistry at Lakeside University, for membership in Sigma XI.
Dr. Washington has published 22 research papers on catalytic reactions while also working to make chemistry more inclusive. Her research contributions alone merit membership, but her work expanding who participates in science deserves special recognition.
She created the “Chemistry for All” program that has brought 150 students from schools with few resources into research labs each summer. Forty-two of these students have gone on to pursue science degrees, many as first-generation college students.
Dr. Washington redesigned her department’s hiring practices, resulting in a 60% increase in applications from women and people from groups that are not well represented in chemistry. She leads workshops on creating inclusive lab environments that have been presented at 14 universities.
Her research has received $3.7 million in funding, including a special grant to create adaptive lab equipment that makes research accessible to students with physical disabilities. Eight students using this equipment have completed chemistry degrees.
Dr. Washington would bring to Sigma XI both research excellence and proven strategies for expanding who can participate in scientific discovery.
Supporting documents are attached for your consideration.
Respectfully submitted,
[Signature block: Name, Academic title, University department, Campus address, Email, Phone, Sigma XI chapter, Research interests]
15. Senior Researcher with Lifetime Achievements
Subject: Nomination of Dr. Walter Chen for Sigma XI Membership
To the Sigma XI Membership Committee,
I wish to nominate Dr. Walter Chen, Professor Emeritus of Microbiology at Eastern Research University, for membership in Sigma XI.
Throughout his 40-year career, Dr. Chen has made lasting contributions to microbiology. His 78 published papers have been cited over 15,000 times. Four techniques he developed are now standard practice in laboratories worldwide.
Dr. Chen trained 63 PhD students who now lead their own research programs at institutions across 12 countries. His textbook “Principles of Microbial Genetics” has been used in over 200 universities and is now in its fifth edition.
He discovered the Chen-Martinez pathway for bacterial gene transfer, which changed our understanding of antibiotic resistance spread. This work led to new approaches for fighting resistant infections that have saved countless lives.
Dr. Chen served as department chair for 12 years, during which research funding increased by 340%. He established an endowment that continues to fund student research projects.
Though near the end of his formal career, Dr. Chen continues to mentor young scientists and contribute to research through his emeritus position. His lifetime of achievements and continuing influence make him an outstanding candidate for Sigma XI membership.
His complete CV and selected publications are attached.
With greatest respect,
[Signature block: Full name and academic credentials, Position and university, Complete contact information, Years active in research, Professional society memberships, Sigma XI affiliation details]
Wrap-up: Sigma XI Email Samples
The nomination emails above show different ways to present a candidate’s qualifications. Each focuses on specific strengths while following a basic structure that works for Sigma XI nominations. When writing your own nomination, pick the style that best fits your nominee’s strengths.
A good nomination email clearly shows why the person deserves this honor. It gives specific examples and numbers rather than general praise. Take time to gather these details before writing. Your careful work might help a deserving scientist join this group.