Link: Historical List of National Officers - 1922 to Present
We have a rich history with over 80 years as a professional organization of women in science. Women obtained the right to vote in 1920, and Sigma Delta Epsilon-Graduate Women in Science (now called GWIS) was incorporated in 1922! So you can imagine the stories of our members. We have attempted to capture our colorful history in three historical publications authored by GWIS members, and the last publication is still available to new members from the National Secretary for a nominal fee.Initially, women graduate students convened their first meeting in 1921 (at the AAAS meeting and by early 1922); we were incorporated into a professional organization. Today we still maintain our affiliation with AAAS and because our membership is international, we convene our interim GWIS National meeting during the Annual AAAS Conference in February each year.
The first GWIS chapter, Alpha, was started in Cornell, NY, while the second chapter (Beta) was in Madison, WI. These chapters still existence today, along with 16 other chapters in the US and international. Members include graduate students, post docs, as well as the professionals in industry, or higher education. Disciplines are numerous, ranging from social scientists to basic scientists in all areas of science. Minimum membership requirement is to have at least a BS in a scientific discipline with lab experience, but most of our members have graduate and professional degrees.
The National membership exceeds 1500 and continues to grow as new, younger members continue to ‘pick up the banner’ to make GWIS a timely and relevant organization for the women scientist of today. Membership is at the National level with a local chapter affiliation. Check out the Chapter listings to see if there is a chapter near you. If not, maybe you would like start one, using our ‘start a chapter’ tools.
Please don’t hesitate to contact any of the National officers,
if you still have questions, once you’ve perused our website. While our
seal may be over 80 years old, it is still very relevant today-remember
we are forever “United in Friendship through Science.”
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Dr. Viola Graham was a graduate student in 1921 when she designed the beautiful insignia that we use today. It’s encompasses several disciplines of the society’s membership while stating our society’s slogan with the Greek letters-Sigma, Delta, Epsilon, which translates to “United in Friendship through Science”
The Key includes a Benzene Ring for Chemistry, a Nile Key for Biology, a Nabla Delta for Mathematics, and a Thunderbolt for Physics.
Graduate Women in Science's Colors:
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