- The American Astronomical Society (AAS), established 1899, is the major organization of professional astronomers in North America. The basic objective of the AAS is to promote the advancement of astronomy and closely related branches of science. The membership (~6,500) also includes physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers and others whose research interests lie within the broad spectrum of subjects now comprising contemporary astronomy.
- Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi is the international honor society of research scientists and engineers, with a distinguished history of service to science and society. This non-profit society includes nearly 65,000 scientists and engineers, in more than 100 countries, who were elected to membership based on their research achievements or potential. Nearly 200 members have received the Nobel Prize. Sigma Xi chapters, more than 500 in all, can be found at colleges and universities, government laboratories and industry research centers throughout North America and around the world. In addition to publishing award-winning American Scientist magazine, Sigma Xi awards hundreds of grants annually to promising student researchers and sponsors a variety of programs that support research ethics, science and engineering education, the public understanding of science, international research networking and the overall health of the research enterprise.