Sigma Xi is a National Scientific Research Society which was founded to to honor excellence in scientific investigation and encourage a sense of companionship and cooperation among researchers in all fields of science and engineering. The Greek letters "sigma" and "xi" form the acronym of the Society's motto, "Spoudon Xynones," which translates as "Companions in Zealous Research.”

The Charleston (SC) Chapter of Sigma Xi is made up of scientists from many professional scientific areas, including those at the Department of Natural Resources Marine Resources Research Institute, the Hollings Marine Laboratory, the NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS), the US Vegetable Laboratory, NIST, The Citadel, the Medical University of South Carolina, the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University, and MeadWestvaco. It sponsors scientific awards and colloquia, scientific field trips, several talks a year including hosting a Sigma Xi Lecturer in the Fall and at Darwin Week and a speaker of national reputation at its annual banquet in the spring.