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 announcement highlights leadership in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research and science.
Founded in 1780, the Academy is one of the nation’s oldest honorary societies. It honors individuals whose work has made significant contributions to their fields and brings members together to address major societal challenges. This year’s inductees will be honored at a ceremony in Cambridge, Massachusetts in October.
The newly elected UC members represent a broad range of disciplines. Their work spans from scientific research that advances understanding of the brain and natural world to scholarship shaping education policy and cultural studies. Notable honorees include Lars Bildsten from UC Santa Barbara for his contributions to theoretical physics; Michelle R. Arkin from UC San Francisco for pharmaceutical chemistry; Sarah Anzia from UC Berkeley for public policy; Ursula K. Heise from UCLA for literary studies; María Elena Salinas as a UCLA Extension alumna recognized in journalism; among many others.
Honorees are grouped across five classes: mathematical and physical sciences; biological sciences; social and behavioral sciences; humanities and arts; leadership, policy and communications. The list includes current faculty as well as former postdoctoral researchers or alumni who have gone on to make an impact elsewhere.
According to the university’s release, these recognitions reflect “the breadth of work taking place across the university”—from discoveries that inform science to research influencing how society understands culture or history.
Looking ahead, those inducted will join ongoing efforts within the Academy aimed at addressing complex issues facing society today.
