Electing New Members: Recognizing America’s 250th Anniversary
American Academy of Arts and Sciences • • nation
Key Points:
- The American Academy of Arts & Sciences announced the election of 252 new members in 2026, recognizing leaders across academia, arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research, and science.
- The Academy, founded in 1780 to promote knowledge and public good, highlights the connection between democracy and the pursuit of knowledge, marking the nation's 250th anniversary.
- Notable new members include actor Jodie Foster, author Barbara Kingsolver, neurobiologist Doris Tsao, computer scientist Shwetak Patel, and international honorary members from 14 countries such as Agnes Binagwaho (Rwanda) and Ashoke Sen (India).
- The Academy continues its tradition of diversity and interdisciplinary excellence, building on a historic membership that includes figures like Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jennifer Doudna.
- Academy leaders emphasize the ongoing importance of the institution's nonpartisan commitment to advancing knowledge and democracy in addressing contemporary global challenges.
