(May 21) The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of the United States has today announced the election of 84 new members and 21 foreign associates from 15 countries in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Among the 21 foreign associates there is Professor Giacomo Rizzolatti from the University of Parma and former Director of the Department of Neuroscience. The NAS is the world’s most prestigious scientific academy. Established by a congressional charter approved by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the NAS is the world’s most prestigious scientific academy and provides independent advice on science and technology matters. Unlike the Italian Lincean Academy, the NAS is composed only by scientists and is organized into six classes, ranging from mathematics to biomedical sciences. Those elected today bring the total number of active members to 2,152 and the total number of foreign associates to 430. The ceremony for the membership of professor. Rizzolatti will be held in Washington in April 2013. (Red)
