Professor Emeritus of biological sciences Richard Turner was elected as a 2025 Fellow of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Honor Society. He is one of 18 members in a cohort recognized for their sustained contributions to scientific research or engineering, leadership and service.
Sigma Xi’s 2025 cohort represents diverse fields in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Its members stem from institutions across academia, government and industry.
Turner primarily researches echinoderms, a phylum of seafloor animals that includes starfish, sea urchins and other bottom dwellers. He was recognized for decades of contributions to marine biology research and more than 50 years of service to the scientific community. He first became involved with Sigma Xi in 1971 and has served on the council of the Florida Academy of Sciences since 1977.
“Election as a Fellow of Sigma Xi is significant to me because this society not only encourages and recognizes ‘zealous research’ but also promotes honor, integrity, and ethics in science,” Turner said in a statement to the society. “My respect for these values in our profession has been cultivated largely because of the influence of publications and programs of Sigma Xi over the last half century of my membership.”
The 2025 Sigma Xi fellows were formally inducted on Nov. 1 in a virtual ceremony at the society’s annual meeting.
