American Academy of Arts & Sciences

Virtual Event: What does it mean to be in a constitutional crisis, and are we in one now? How far can presidents act in the context of congressional inaction? What is the role of courts in evaluating the legality of executive action?? To what extent can courts in this context declare the law and meaningfully constrain the president?? The conversation will include perspectives on how these questions have been addressed throughout American history when courts have confronted forceful assertions of executive power. Featuring Judge Thomas B. Griffith (Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University), Vanita Gupta (New York University School of Law), Janet Napolitano (University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy), Eric Posner (University of Chicago Law School), and moderator Goodwin Liu (Supreme Court of California), with introductory remarks from Academy President Laurie L. Patton. Join us for this virtual event on March 14 at 11:00 a.m. EDT / 8:00 a.m. PDT. Register here: https://buff.ly/DYzQrvr

The Humanities Indicators is a nationally recognized source of nonpartisan information on the state of the humanities. Read this publication and learn more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/ewk6SwcS

Virtual Event: What does it mean to be in a constitutional crisis, and are we in one now? How far can presidents act in the context of congressional inaction? What is the role of courts in evaluating the legality of executive action?? To what extent can courts in this context declare the law and meaningfully constrain the president?? The conversation will include perspectives on how these questions have been addressed throughout American history when courts have confronted forceful assertions of executive power. Featuring Judge Thomas B. Griffith (Wheatley Institute at Brigham Young University), Vanita Gupta (New York University School of Law), Janet Napolitano (University of California, Berkeley, Goldman School of Public Policy), Eric Posner (University of Chicago Law School), and moderator Goodwin Liu (Supreme Court of California), with introductory remarks from Academy President Laurie L. Patton. Join us for this virtual event on March 14 at 11:00 a.m. EDT / 8:00 a.m. PDT. Register here: https://buff.ly/DYzQrvr

?? Ho?omaika?i to Keck superstar astrophysicist Dr. Andrea Ghez, awarded the 2025 American Academy of Arts & Sciences distinguished Rumford Prize in recognition of her contributions to the field of astronomy. ?? ? ?? "Andrea Ghez’s groundbreaking research exemplifies the power of curiosity-driven scientific exploration to reshape our understanding of the universe," said Laurie L. Patton, Academy President. "Her intellectual curiosity, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and exceptional leadership in the field of astrophysics illuminate one of the most mysterious regions of space and inspire us. We are proud to honor her with the Rumford Prize—one of the oldest awards for scientific pursuit in America." And we are proud to call her a member of the Keck Observatory 'ohana. Can't wait to see what she will discover next. Congratulations, Andrea! #ucla #astronomy #maunakeaobservatories

Announcement: Please join us in congratulating Anthony S. Fauci, Andrea M. Ghez, and Victor Seow - recipients of awards from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, MD, renowned immunologist and former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been named the recipient of the Award for Excellence in Public Policy and Public Affairs from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. First given in 2018, the award recognizes individuals for their distinction, independence, effectiveness, and work on behalf of the common good. Full announcement: https://buff.ly/IF7CrM3 The Rumford Prize – a storied science award given by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences – is being awarded to Nobel laureate Andrea M. Ghez for her contributions to the field of astronomy. Ghez’s pioneering research on the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos and made her a leading astrophysicist. Full announcement: https://buff.ly/PiaipVt Victor Seow, the John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences in the Department of the History of Science at Harvard University, is the recipient of the Sarton Prize for the History of Science, recognizing his exceptional promise and distinguished achievements as an emerging scholar in the field. Full announcement: https://buff.ly/VQEUGBd Photograph of Andrea M. Ghez courtesy of the Nobel Foundation.

Learn about the history, ethics, and possibilities of artificial intelligence in our volume "AI & Society," edited by James Manyika. This free collection, published in 2022, features 25 essays by leading AI scientists, technologists, social scientists, humanists, and public officials: https://buff.ly/3uDIaZi AI is transforming our relationships with technology and with others, our senses of self, as well as our approaches to health care, banking, democracy, and the courts. But while AI in its many forms has become ubiquitous and its benefits to society and the individual have grown, its impacts are varied. Concerns about its unintended effects and misuses have become paramount in conversations about the successful integration of AI in society. This volume explores the many facets of artificial intelligence: its technology, its potential futures, its effects on labor and the economy, its relationship with inequalities, its role in law and governance, its challenges to national security, and what it says about us as humans.

Learn about how economic connectedness improves lives and communities: https://lnkd.in/evvyEqFS.

Jules Feiffer, who recently died at 95, was elected to the Academy 2014. Given his immense talents as an author and cartoonist, it may not be surprising that his letter of acceptance is an illustrated one. See him transform himself into a Fred Astaire-style dancer in top hat and tails. Feiffer's letter reads: May 12, 2014 To The American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Um – Wait a minute. I’m figuring out what to say. Important to strike the right note. Grateful. But not gushing. As a member of Arts and Letters and now Arts and Sciences, I’ve attained too much stature to gush. But a formal or dry or witty response would not reflect my true feelings. At times like this, I look for answers from my mentor: Mr. Astaire. Hip! Hooray! I’m glad to be, Elected to the Academy – In gratitude, I take a chance, And express my thanks –In dance! Dance! Dance! Bless you, Jules Feiffer See this, and other letters of acceptance, here: https://buff.ly/4giLA89

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How can we restore America's civic culture and strengthen our democracy? Ben Klutsey, a member of our working group on Civic Culture, offered key insights in recent opinion piece in The Hill: https://lnkd.in/gkFvqsbn “When civic culture is strong, we take it for granted. We might not even recognize that it’s there. But when it flails — when polarization takes a stronger hold, trust in institutions erodes, or people interact less with one another — we feel it acutely. To restore it, we need to understand what it is, how it works, and how it helps democracy weather any inevitable divisions.” Read our full report on civic culture, Habits of Heart and Mind: How to Fortify Civic Culture: https://lnkd.in/gCtekddw Mercatus Center at George Mason University Photo: The Hill / AP Photo/ Mengshin Lin