Six faculty members from the University of California, Berkeley, have been elected to join the American Academy of Arts and Sciences according to a recent announcement. The group includes experts in diverse fields such as mathematics, statistics, and comparative literature, as well as molecular biology, neurobiology, and computer science. "These new members’ accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership and persistence," said Laurie L. Patton, president of the academy. "They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding."

The American Academy, founded in 1780, honors excellence and brings together leaders from various disciplines to explore new ideas and tackle important issues. The newly elected members are expected to participate in induction ceremonies scheduled for October 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Among the new inductees is Ian Agol, a mathematics professor known for his work in the geometry and topology of hyperbolic 3-manifolds. Another honoree, Yang Dan, specializes in molecular and cell biology, focusing on the circuits in the mammalian brain that control sleep. Leslie V. Kurke contributes expertise in ancient Greek and Roman studies as well as comparative literature, particularly focusing on Greek poetry and prose in their social contexts.

Donald C. Rio, a professor specializing in biochemistry and biophysics, was also elected. Rio’s research involves the movement of transposons within the genome and gene activity modification through messenger RNA. Dawn X. Song joins the academy as a professor in electrical engineering and computer sciences, focusing on security within computer systems and networks. Lastly, Philip B. Stark, a distinguished statistics professor, is recognized for his work on inference problems and election auditing methods in the United States.

Induction into the academy represents a significant honor for these faculty members, highlighting their achievements and contributions to knowledge and society.