IFoRE Connect
IFoRE Connect is a year-round series of virtual events extending the impact of Sigma Xi’s International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE). In the months leading up to, and immediately following IFoRE, Sigma Xi will host special webinar sessions, typically scheduled on the third Wednesday of each month. All IFoRE Connect events are free to attend for Sigma Xi members. See schedule below for upcoming events.
IFoRE Connect is more than a lecture series—it’s an opportunity to discover new perspectives and stay connected to the research community. The virtual talks will feature compelling research topics and timely scientific questions. Sessions will showcase accomplished and ascending scientists from across the globe, offering attendees opportunities to hear directly from experts at the forefront of their fields. Speakers and panelists will explore discoveries that are expanding our understanding of the world and addressing challenges facing science and society today.
Presenters interested in hosting an IFoRE Connect session should first submit a proposal for the regular IFoRE conference agenda. All IFoRE general session submissions will also be considered for individual IFoRE Connect sessions throughout the year.
Attendance is free for Sigma Xi members but registration is required. Zoom webinar links will be sent to registered attendees prior to session dates.
Extend the Conversation. Explore What’s Next.
Upcoming IFoRE Connect Events:
Ben Bahr (panelist)
William C. Friday Endowed Chair and Distinguished Professor at the University of North Carolina – Pembroke
Past Events:
Rosalind Picard (panelist)
Grover M. Hermann Professor in Health Sciences and Technology at MIT's Media Lab
November 18, 2026 — “Celebrating Women in Science: Journeys of Discovery and Inspiration”
3:00– 5:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
Join IFoRE Connect as we celebrate women in science with the presentation of the Linda Mantel Award and the Moses and Dorothy Passer Award. Following the award presentations, the recipients will join a moderator for an uplifting conversation about their journeys in science, sharing meaningful experiences, moments of discovery, and the people who have inspired and supported them along the way. This session will highlight their accomplishments and offer encouragement to anyone pursuing a path in science or supporting the next generation of researchers.
Deborah J. Good (moderator)
Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Tech
Elizabeth L. Ambos (moderator)
Principal, Ambos Consulting
Mitchell Malachowski (panelist)
Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of San Diego
Marissa Wechsler (panelist)
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio
Xin Zhang (panelist)
Distinguished Professor of Engineering at Boston University
Pania Newell (panelist)
Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah
December 16, 2026 — “Transforming Undergraduate Degree Programs to Scaffold and Integrate Research Experiences: What Are Some Effective Department-Based Mentoring and Coaching Practices?”
3:00– 5:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
In these times of disruption in higher education and diminished public perceptions of the value of STEMM research and education, it is more urgent than ever to adapt undergraduate degree programs to infuse research skills and knowledge. The department-based models we have developed through the programs such as the recently concluded NSF-funded CUR Transformations project have proved effective in fostering comprehensive changes in curricula and culture to support research-based instruction.
Scott Cooper (panelist)
Professor of Biology at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Elizabeth Eich (panelist)
Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry and Professor in the Practice in BioSciences at Rice University
Fenella Saunders (moderator)
Editor in chief of American Scientist
September 23, 2026
“Celebrating 140 Years of Sigma Xi”
October 21, 2026 — “Entrepreneurship for Scientists”
3:00– 5:00 p.m. ET REGISTER HERE
Scientists often have to take a lot of personal initiative to incorporate entrepreneurship into their careers. Join us for a panel featuring past winners of Sigma Xi's Walston Chubb Award for Innovation, all of whom are accomplished in entrepreneurship. The discussion will center around essential entrepreneurship skills for scientists, where gaps in understanding still arise between academia and industry, and how these skills might be incorporated into scientific training.
The event will open with the presentation of the 2026 Dr. Philip J. Wyatt Technology Transfer Award, which will be hosted by Dr. Richard Spontak, to UNC Pembroke’s Dr. Ben Bahr, followed by brief remarks from Dr. Bahr about his research and its path toward technology transfer.
Jim Collins (panelist)
Termeer Professor of Medical Engineering & Science at MIT
