Nine individuals of Indian origin were elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) as part of its 2025 cohort, recognizing their exceptional contributions to academia, science, public health, technology, and the arts. 

They are among nearly 250 new members announced by the Academy, which was founded in 1780 to honor excellence and foster meaningful dialogue on pressing global challenges.

The newly elected members of Indian origin span a wide range of disciplines:

Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corporation, was recognized for transforming the tech giant through innovation and inclusive leadership since assuming the helm in 2014. Born in Hyderabad, Nadella’s tenure has marked a significant shift toward cloud computing and AI.

Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, has been a prominent voice in health policy and pandemic response in the United States. Originally from Bihar, India, he has played a critical role in shaping COVID-19 strategies at the national level.

Anurag Agrawal, an ecologist at Cornell University, is known for his research on plant-insect interactions. The son of Indian immigrants, he holds joint appointments in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Entomology.

Kavita Bala, provost of Cornell University, is a computer scientist recognized for her work in computer graphics and artificial intelligence. She is also the co-founder of GrokStyle, a visual recognition startup acquired by Facebook.

Usha Goswami, director of the Centre for Neuroscience in Education at the University of Cambridge, has made pioneering contributions to developmental cognitive neuroscience, particularly in understanding dyslexia and language acquisition in children.

Chennupati Jagadish, distinguished professor at the Australian National University, is a physicist in optoelectronics and nanotechnology. He is also the first person of Indian origin to serve as president of the Australian Academy of Science.

Suresh Subramani, an Indian-American molecular biologist, is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of California, San Diego. He has made significant advancements in molecular biology, particularly in the fields of peroxisome biology and autophagy. He also serves as the Global Director of the Tata Institute for Genetics and Society, with roles in both the U.S. and India.

Samir Mitragotri, originally from Solapur, India, is a professor at Harvard University and a leading figure in bioengineering and drug delivery. His pioneering innovations have enabled new treatments for conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and skin disorders. He completed his undergraduate studies in India before earning a doctorate at MIT.

Salil Vadhan, a computer scientist at Harvard University, is known for his foundational work on computational complexity and data privacy, including award-winning research on zero-knowledge proofs.

The Academy, whose earliest members included George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, continues its mission “to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous people.”

“These new members’ accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence,” said Laurie L. Patton, president of the Academy. “They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding.”

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