Dr Francesco Perono Cacciafoco Elected Sigma Xi Lifetime Member

11 Sep 2024

Dr Francesco Perono Cacciafoco, Associate Professor in Linguistics at the Department of Applied Linguistics, the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, XJTLU, has been elected as a Lifetime Academic Member of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society (ΣΞ), founded at Cornell University in 1886. Sigma Xi is one of the world’s leading research societies, dedicated to promoting excellence in research and fostering global collaboration among scholars.

Sigma Xi counts many esteemed scholars among its members, including Albert Einstein, Linus Pauling, Barbara McClintock, and Sally Ride, several of whom are Nobel laureates. Membership is by nomination only, based on scientific accomplishments or potential for future contributions, with candidates being recommended by existing members and undergoing a thorough vetting process. The Society also publishes the American Scientist, a respected academic journal in circulation since 1913.

Reflecting on the honor, Dr Francesco Perono Cacciafoco shared, "It is a great honor, and I am deeply humbled. After a process that was unbeknownst to me, I was invited to become a Lifetime Academic Member of Sigma Xi. I have now formally accepted this invitation and am proud to be part of this prestigious Society."

He also expressed hope that his membership would benefit students: "I hope I'll be able to provide such a prestigious Research Society with my humble contributions, and I believe this membership could be fruitful for our students. As an academic member, I will have opportunities to apply for small research grants that could support their projects through the Society."

(By: Yiyi Gu)

11 Sep 2024