The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) announced the election of 120 members and 25 international members in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. These newly elected members bring the total number of active NAS members to 2,705 and international members to 557, representing some of the most accomplished scholars and researchers in the world.
The Asian American Scholar Forum (AASF) is proud to recognize two AASF fellows who have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences:
Professor Chuan He, John T. Wilson Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The University of Chicago
Professor H. Sebastian Seung, Anthony B. Evnin Professor of Neuroscience at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute and Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science at Princeton University
Professor Chuan He is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research in chemical biology, particularly in the discovery and characterization of RNA modifications and their role in gene expression. His work has reshaped the understanding of epigenetics and opened new pathways for studying human health and disease.
Professor H. Sebastian Seung is a leading figure in neuroscience and artificial intelligence, known for his pioneering contributions to computational neuroscience and connectomics. His research advances understanding of brain function through large-scale neural mapping and machine learning, with broad implications for both science and technology.
“I am thrilled and honored,” said Professor Chuan He, John T. Wilson Distinguished Service Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at The University of Chicago. “This motivates me to continue pursuing research excellence. At AASF, we still have much work ahead to promote Asian American scholars.”
“Over the past 20 years, I have worked alongside many dedicated researchers to create the new field of connectomics,” said Professor Sebastian Seung, Anthony B. Evnin Professor of Neuroscience at the Princeton Neuroscience Institute and Professor of Computer Science in the Department of Computer Science at Princeton University. “This kind of interdisciplinary collaboration will shape the future of discovery and
innovation, as science and technology continue to evolve.”
“AASF congratulates Professors He and Seung on this significant honor,” said Professor Yasheng Huang, AASF Founding President and Epoch Foundation Professor of International Management and Professor, Global Economics and Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “Their achievements underscore the vital contributions of Asian American scholars and researchers to the nation’s scientific enterprise. Their work not only advances discovery across disciplines and improves the well-being of citizens of our society, but also strengthens the foundation of U.S. leadership in science and innovation at a critical moment for global competitiveness.”
“Election to the National Academy of Sciences is one of the highest honors in science, recognizing extraordinary contributions judged by one’s peers,” said Professor Kai Li, AASF Founding Vice President and Paul M. Wythes and Marcia R. Wythes Professor in Computer Science at Princeton University. “It signals not only individual achievement, but also work that has helped shape the direction of a field and inspired future generations of scientists.”
“We are proud to see Professors Chuan He and H. Sebastian Seung recognized by the National Academy of Sciences,” said Asian American Scholar Forum Executive Director Gisela Perez Kusakawa. “Their groundbreaking work reflects the critical role scholars and researchers play in advancing discovery and strengthening U.S. leadership in science and technology. As global talent competition intensifies, we must continue to support the innovation pipelines that drive our nation’s research enterprise forward.”
Founded in 1863, the National Academy of Sciences is a private, nonprofit institution that provides independent advice to the nation on matters related to science and technology. Election to the Academy is one of the highest honors a scientist can receive, recognizing outstanding contributions to research and the advancement of knowledge.The Asian American Scholar Forum congratulates Professors He and Seung on this well-deserved recognition and celebrates their continued contributions to advancing science and strengthening the nation’s research ecosystem.