Erica Kimmerling, former Hellman Fellow for Science and Technology Policy at the American Academy, explores how to break down silos between science engagement professionals, citing the Academy report on Encountering Science in America.

Benjamin Holtzman, Visiting Scholar at the American Academy, discusses Thomas Campanella's history of Brooklyn, "the once and future city."

The Academy is honoring author Margaret Atwood and linguist William Labov, whose exceptional accomplishments include decades of new ideas and transformative impact.

Luis Farias, a participant at the American Academy's Convening on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship, reflects on the discussions there and how they can be applied to the Latino community in the U.S.

Suddenly trying to teach humanities courses online? Mind your presence, ask good questions and manage expectations, experts say, citing data from the American Academy’s Humanities Indicators project.

A brief update on the Academy’s actions and activities during the COVID-19 outbreak, including adjustments that have been made to our operations to help ensure the safety of members and staff.

In a daylong symposium, the American Academy's Commission on the Arts explored the integration of arts, humanities, and STEM in higher education.

The Spring 2020 issue of Dædalus, “Meeting the Challenges of a New Nuclear Age,” guest-edited by Robert Legvold and Christopher F. Chyba, examines some of the possible escalation pathways that could lead one or more states to use nuclear weapons.

Robert Frost received the American Academy of Arts & Sciences literature award in 1958. He spoke about his connection to Emerson and recited his poetry at the event.

For the past two years, members of the Academy’s Commission on the Practice of Democratic Citizenship have engaged in research, round tables, and discussions about strengthening American democracy in the 21st century. Now, as the impact of COVID-19 surges through every aspect of American society, Commission members are applying their expertise in public policy and civic and political engagement to meet and understand critical challenges at the local and national levels.

For 240 years, the nation has looked to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences to offer wisdom and insight into the most profound issues of the time. In 1780, that was the formation of a free republic. In the 1850s, it was understanding the changing natural environment through the theory of evolution. In 1960, it was the creation and exploration of a field called arms control – in fact, the Academy coined that term. Today, it includes such questions as how we can sustain the dream of American democracy in the face of widening divides; and how as citizens of our planet we can respond to environmental change and its implications for migration, conflict, public health, and natural resources in order to provide for a more promising global future.

In September 1786, John Gardiner (1737–1793) of Boston sent Academy President James Bowdoin a drawing and description of a ferry in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, designed by Nicholas Garrison, a member of the Moravian Brethren. The ferry used a rope or cable and the river’s current to move the boat back and forth, and the design could be upscaled for larger crossings through a series of blocks and pulleys.

If you follow the Academy on Twitter, @americanacad, then you are enjoying artistic endeavors of members using social media to share creativity and solace with the world.

The Academy Archives preserves and shares the acceptance letters of members. Selected letters are shared in online galleries and include letters from George Washington, Mary Leakey, and Nelson Mandela.

Jack Cogan was a man for whom the phrase “a giant of a gentleman” was the perfect description. He had many passions and hobbies–in business and politics, for social causes and cultural institutions–and he cared deeply about all of them, giving his life’s work to contributing to their success. He was a man of sound judgment and fairness as well as a catalyst for action. Known for the twinkle in his eye, a welcoming smile, and elegant, jaunty bow ties, Jack would enliven a room by entering it.

Select Prizes and Awards to Members

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the life of the Academy, as it has our own lives. And yet, our work does go on. The resilience, dedication, and commitment demonstrated by Academy members and staff have ensured that this is not just a moment of great challenge, but also one of great pride. This time of adversity has only heightened the sense of honor I feel to be a
member of this extraordinary community.

We have entered a new nuclear era. The Cold War world dominated by only two nuclear superpowers no longer exists (even if Russia and the United States still possess the lion’s share of nuclear weapons); it has grown into a multipolar nuclear environment.

The American Academy of Arts & Sciences announced its members elected in 2020. The 276 artists, scholars, scientists, and leaders in the public, non-profit, and private sectors include Joan Baez, Eric Holder, and Ann Patchett.