Today, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences announced the election of its new members for 2019. Amongst them is IBC2 director Ivan Đikić.

Since 1780, the Academy has regularly been electing new members to recognize their outstanding achievements in academia, the arts, business, philanthropy, and public affairs, in line with founders’ vision “to cultivate every art and science which may tend to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous people.”

Academy members are world leaders and represent the most innovative thinkers in their fields. Amongst them are more than 250 Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners. “I am deeply honored to join this circle of distinguished personalities. My gratitude goes to all past and present members of my lab, my mentors, colleagues at Goethe University and around the world and to my family for their enduring support and friendship”, commented Ivan after he was informed about his election.

Being passionate about science and education, he also took the opportunity to send a message to the next generation: “I wish to stress that science is an amazing profession where we can freely explore new ideas, enrich our creativity by curiosity, benefit society and have fun by sharing knowledge and working together with students and colleagues around the world.” Ivan is after philosopher Jürgen Habermas the second member of Goethe University to receive this great honor. The new members will be inducted at a ceremony in October 2019 in Cambridge (USA).