The American Academy of Arts and Sciences announced its 2026 class on April 23, recognizing 25 University of California-affiliated scholars, 23 UC alumni, and several honorees with UC ties among the 252 new members. The new members were recognized for leadership in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research and science.
The Academy is one of the nation’s oldest honorary societies. It was chartered in 1780 to honor people whose work has made significant contributions to their fields. The organization also brings members together to help address major challenges facing society. This year’s new members will be inducted in Cambridge, Massachusetts in October.
UC’s newest additions reflect a wide range of work taking place across the university system. Their achievements span research that helps scientists better understand the brain and natural world as well as scholarship shaping education, law, public policy and culture.
Among this year’s honorees are Lars Bildsten from UC Santa Barbara; Michelle R. Arkin from UC San Francisco; Kristin A. Persson from UC Berkeley; Anna L. Tsing from UC Santa Cruz; Eva L. Baker from UCLA; Sarah Anzia from UC Berkeley; Etel L. Solingen from UC Irvine; Doris Tsao from UC Berkeley; Jacquelynne Sue Eccles from UC Irvine; Ursula K. Heise from UCLA; James Owen Weatherall from UC Irvine; María Elena Salinas (UCLA Extension alumna), among others.
These recognitions highlight both current faculty as well as alumni who have contributed significantly across disciplines such as mathematical sciences, biological sciences, social sciences and humanities.
Looking ahead, these inductees will join other leaders at an induction ceremony scheduled for October in Cambridge.
