The National Academy of Sciences has announced the election of 72 new members and 18 foreign associates from 15 countries in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. Pascale Cossart, director and head of the Unite des Interactions Bacteries Cellules at the Institut Pasteur, Paris, is among the associates honored.

The election was held April 28 during the business session of the 146th annual meeting of the Academy. Those elected bring the total number of active members to 2,150. Foreign associates are nonvoting members of the Academy, with citizenship outside the United States. The election brings the total number of foreign associates to 404.

The National Academy of Sciences is a private organization of scientists and engineers dedicated to the furtherance of science and its use for the general welfare. It was established in 1863 by a congressional act of incorporation signed by Abraham Lincoln that calls on the Academy to act as an official adviser to the federal government, upon request, in any matter of science or technology.

For more information and a complete list of new members, please consult the NAS press release.