Six faculty members from MIT are part of the nearly 250 distinguished individuals from academia, the arts, industry, public policy, and research inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, as announced by the academy on April 23.

Recognized as one of the nation’s most esteemed honorary organizations, the academy also functions as a prominent center for autonomous policy research. Members engage with academy publications and participate in studies relating to science and technology policy, energy and global security, social policy and American institutions, the humanities and culture, as well as education.

The MIT representatives elected in 2025 include:

• Lotte Bailyn, T. Wilson Professor of Management Emerita;
• Gareth McKinley, School of Engineering Professor of Teaching Innovation;
• Nasser Rabbat, Aga Khan Professor;
• Susan Silbey, Leon and Anne Goldberg Professor of Humanities and a professor of sociology and anthropology;
• Anne Whiston Spirn, Cecil and Ida Green Distinguished Professor of Landscape Architecture and Planning; and
• Catherine Wolfram, William Barton Rogers Professor in Energy and professor of applied economics.

“The achievements of these newly inducted members reflect the remarkable human capability for exploration, innovation, leadership, and resilience. They serve as an exceptional affirmation of the influence of knowledge in expanding our perspectives and enhancing our comprehension,” remarks Academy President Laurie L. Patton. “We encourage every new member to commemorate their success and partner with the Academy in our mission to advance the common good.”

Since its inception in 1780, the academy has welcomed influential thinkers from each era, such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century, Maria Mitchell and Daniel Webster in the 19th century, and Toni Morrison and Albert Einstein in the 20th century. The present membership includes over 250 Nobel and Pulitzer Prize laureates.