Asian American Scholar Forum Board Member Elected to the National Academy of Medicine

October 24, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dawn Crawford, media@aasforum.org, 720-231-1930

Washington, DC — The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is honored to announce that its Board Member Professor Haifan Lin, has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine (NAM). This recognition reflects not only Professor Lin’s significant professional achievements but also the growing and historic contributions of Asian American scholars in advancing health, medicine, and public service.

From the NAM induction announcement:

Haifan Lin, PhD, Eugene Higgins Professor of Cell Biology and professor of genetics, of dermatology, and of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences; and director, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn. For making key contributions to the validation of two hallmark stem cell theories: asymmetric division and niche hypotheses. He discovered the only gene family (argonaute/piwi genes) known to be essential for stem cell maintenance in both animals and plants. He discovered millions of small non-coding RNAs called piRNAs and established a new paradigm of genome regulation.

Election to the NAM is one of the highest distinctions in the fields of health and medicine, awarded to individuals who have made lasting contributions to medical sciences, healthcare, and public health. Nearly 50 NAM members are recipients of the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine, Chemistry, or Peace. The election of Professor Lin to the Academy is a testament to the value of his work and his commitment to improving health outcomes for communities in America and around the world.

“This election is a well-deserved honor that reflects Dr. Lin’s dedication and expertise, as well as his scientific contributions to our society,” said Professor Yasheng Huang, AASF President, “This highlights the important work Asian American scholars are contributing to the world.”

“We congratulate Professor Haifan Lin on his election to the National Academy of Medicine, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to stem cell biology and genome regulation,” said Professor Kai Li, AASF Vice President. “As a valued AASF board member, Professor Lin’s achievement highlights the importance of scientific excellence and diverse leadership in advancing knowledge and fostering inclusion.”

“We are deeply proud of our Board member’s election to the NAM,” said Gisela P. Kusakawa, Esq., Executive Director of the Asian American Scholar Forum, reflecting on the broader and often overlooked significance and contributions of Asian American scholars to our country. “This achievement demonstrates the important role that Asian American scholars play in addressing complex health challenges and advancing public health innovation. Their work is a reminder that diversity strengthens not only the scientific community but our country as a whole. We are grateful for their contributions, and hope we can shine a light on their commitment to helping improve healthcare and save lives nationwide.”

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be elected to the National Academy of Medicine. This recognition reflects not my work but the countless people who’ve helped along the way — the incredible mentors, colleagues, collaborators, and my former and current lab members I’ve had the privilege to work with,” said Professor Haifan Lin, AASF Board Member. “As an Asian American scholar, I hope this honor encourages greater recognition of the contributions our community continues to make in advancing health and science. I remain committed to working toward improving public health and promoting equity for all.”

With this election, Professor Lin will have the opportunity to join a cohort of NAM members to address some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. It is AASF’s mission to lift up Asian American scholars’ meaningful contributions to national and global health and scientific research.

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Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is a national nonprofit that promotes academic belonging, openness, freedom, and equality for all. In response to heightened anti-Asian sentiments and profiling in the U.S., AASF has been a leading national voice fighting for the rights of Asian American and immigrant scientists, researchers, and scholars. AASF membership includes members from the National Academy of Engineering, the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Science, and the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, in addition to past and current university presidents, provosts, vice provosts, deans, associate deans, and past and current department chairs.

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