Professor Katharine Cashman, AXA Research Chair, Volcanology Research Group, in the School of Earth Sciences was among 180 influential artists, scientists, scholars, authors and institutional leaders inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences at a ceremony on 6 October 2012. 

Founded in 1780, the American Academy is one of the USA’s oldest and most prestigious learned societies, and an independent research centre that draws from its members’ expertise to conduct studies in science and technology policy, global security, the humanities and culture, social policy, and education.

‘Induction recognises the achievement and vitality of today’s most accomplished individuals who together with the Academy will work to advance the greater good,’ said Academy President Leslie Berlowitz. ‘These distinguished men and women are making significant strides in their quest to find solutions to the most pressing scientific, humanistic, and policy challenges of the day.'

Since its founding the American Academy has elected leading ‘thinkers and doers’ from each generation. The current membership includes more than 300 Nobel laureates, some 100 Pulitzer Prize winners, and many of the world’s most celebrated artists and performers.