October 29, 2026
Congratulations to Rosina Bierbaum, who will receive the 2026 Sigma Xi Gold Key Award. As the Society’s highest honor, the Gold Key Award celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of science and to the mission of Sigma Xi. Bierbaum will be recognized on Nov. 5 during “Curious Conversations,” a special interview session with former Sigma Xi president and fellow Robert T. Pennock during the 2026 International Forum on Research Excellence (IFoRE).
Bierbaum is a professor and dean emerita at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainabilty. She is a distinguished climate scientist, policy expert and longtime advocate for the role of science in addressing global challenges. She is also a research professor emerita and senior fellow at the University of Maryland’s Center for Global Sustainability.
Her work focuses on the intersection of science and policy, particularly climate change adaptation and mitigation at the national and international levels. Her career exemplifies the power of scientific expertise to inform policy, strengthen international collaboration, and address some of the most consequential environmental challenges facing society.