The National Academy of Sciences (NAS), an esteemed institution dedicated to promoting the advancement of science and its role in society, has announced the election of 120 new members, among whom are seven distinguished researchers from Stanford University. This election, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of scientists to original research, is a prestigious honor as members are chosen by their peers based on their exemplary achievements and continuing commitment to scientific inquiry.

The NAS plays a crucial role in advising the United States government on a variety of scientific matters, including engineering and health policy, thereby helping to shape public understanding and policy in these fields.

The seven new members from Stanford include:

  • Shanhui Fan: Serving as the Joseph and Hon Mai Goodman Professor, Fan is a renowned professor of electrical engineering within the School of Engineering. He is also a senior fellow at the Precourt Institute for Energy and a vital member of Stanford Bio-X, which fosters interdisciplinary research in the life sciences.
  • David Grusky: The Edward Ames Edmonds Professor of Economics and Sociology, Grusky is not only the director of the Center on Poverty and Inequality but also a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR). His work in sociology and economics has significantly contributed to our understanding of social structures and inequality.
  • Michelle Monje: A prominent figure in pediatric research, Monje holds the position of Milan Gambhir Professor in Pediatric Neuro-Oncology and is a professor of pediatric neurology in the School of Medicine (Stanford Medicine). Her involvement with multiple research institutes, including Bio-X and the Stanford Cancer Institute, emphasizes her commitment to advancing medical research in pediatric health.
  • Jonathan Pritchard: A professor of genetics in Stanford Medicine, Pritchard also serves as the Bing Professor of Population Studies and professor of biology in the School of Humanities & Sciences (H&S). He is recognized for his contributions to genetics and population biology.
  • Cecilia Ridgeway: As the Lucie Stern Professor of Social Sciences, Emerita, Ridgeway is a respected professor emerita of sociology in H&S. Her scholarly work has greatly influenced the understanding of social dynamics and gender roles.
  • Kang Shen: Holding the title of Frank Lee and Carol Hall Professor, Shen is a professor of biology in H&S and also the director of the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute. His expertise in pathology and neuroscience positions him as a key figure in advancing our knowledge of biological sciences.
  • Risa Wechsler: Wechsler is a distinguished professor of physics in H&S and specializes in particle physics and astrophysics at the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory. She is also the director of the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology, underscoring her prominent role in astrophysics research.

This recent recognition of Stanford's faculty members by the NAS highlights the university's ongoing commitment to groundbreaking research and its impact on scientific knowledge and policy-making.