The American Academy of Arts and Sciences has announced its 2026 class of new members, electing more than 250 outstanding individuals in recognition of their exceptional contributions to their fields and to society. Founded in 1780 by John Adams, John Hancock, and other scholars during the American Revolution, the Academy is one of the nation’s olest and most prestigious leaned societies. Its charter calls for cultivating “every art and science” to advance the public good. Over more than two centuries, it has honored luminaries from Benjamin Franklin and George Washington to modern leaders across disciplines. Election remains a singular mark of distinction.
Among this year’s distinguished inductees is BARI’s Michelle Arkin, Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vice Dean for Research Technology and Entrepreneurship in the School of Pharmacy, and Executive Director of the Small Molecule Discovery Center at UCSF. Arkin was elected in the Chemistry section for her pioneering work in chemical biology and drug discovery.
Arkin’s research focuses on tackling some of the most challenging targets in medicine, particularly “undruggable” proteins. Her lab develops innovative screening approaches, to identify small-molecule tools and leads. Key areas include protein-protein interactions, allosteric modulation, and therapies for orphan, neglected, and age-related diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Through the Small Molecule Discovery Center, she fosters collaborative translational research, bridging academic innovation with practical drug development.
In an era when scientific progress increasingly demands interdisciplinary creativity and persistence against difficult biological problems, Arkin’s election underscores the Academy’s commitment to honoring those who expand the fronteirs of knowledge for human benefit. Her induction alongside leaders from science, arts, public affairs, and business reflects the breath of excellence the Academy continues to celebrate.
Congratulations to Michelle Arkin and the entire 2026 class, a well-deserved recognition of impactful, forward-looking scholarship.