Six UCSF Faculty Inducted into American Academy of Arts and Sciences

(Adapted from AAAS news release) Six University of California, San Francisco faculty members will be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) at a ceremony in Cambridge on Saturday, October 6. Celebrated for their superior scholarship, artistic triumphs and exemplary service to society, the 227th class of Fellows includes Douglas Hanahan, PhD, professor of biochemistry and biophysics; Lily Jan, PhD, professor of physiology; Yuh Nung Jan, PhD, professor and vice chair of biochemistry and biophysics; Alexander Johnson, PhD, professor and vice chair of microbiology and immunology; Steven Schroeder, MD, distinguished professor in health and health care; and Robert Stroud, PhD, professor of biochemistry and biophysics. Total UCSF membership in the Academy is 47. Founded in 1780, the Academy honors excellence each year by electing to membership the finest minds and most influential leaders of the day. Among this year's new members are former Vice President Albert Gore, Jr.; former Supreme Court Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor; New York Mayor and businessman Michael Bloomberg; Google Chairman and CEO Eric Schmidt; New York Times investigative correspondent James Risen; filmmaker Spike Lee; acclaimed chef, activist and cookbook author Alice Waters; and Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter. "The induction ceremony is an opportunity to welcome new members and celebrate the extraordinary history of the organization, now in its third century of service to the nation," said Chief Executive Officer Leslie Berlowitz. "The Academy both honors excellence by electing members to its fellowship and draws on that distinguished membership to address critical social and intellectual issues. It does so through studies, publications, meetings and symposia." The 202 new Fellows and 23 new Foreign Honorary Members are leaders in scholarship, business, the arts and public affairs. They come from 27 states and 12 countries, and range in age from 36 to 92. They represent dozens of universities, corporations, museums, research institutes, media outlets and foundations, and include seven university presidents or chancellors; winners of Nobel and Pulitzer prizes, and Academy Awards; and two former chairs of the President's Council of Economic Advisors. "The Academy takes great pride in honoring the accomplishments of these outstanding and influential individuals," said Academy President Emilio Bizzi. "Throughout its history, Fellows of the Academy have been dedicated to advancing intellectual thought and constructive action in America and the world. We are confident that our newest group of Fellows will help us fulfill that mission in significant ways." New Fellows and Honorary Foreign Members are nominated and elected by current members of the Academy. Members are divided into five broad classes: mathematics and physical sciences; biological sciences; social sciences; humanities and the arts; and public affairs, business and administration. Related Links: American Academy Inducts 227th Class of Scholars, Scientists, Artists, Civic, Corporate and Philanthropic Leaders American Academy of Arts and Sciences, October 5, 2007 Six UCSF Faculty Members Named 2007 AAAS Fellows UCSF Today, May 3, 2007