Congratulations to Prof William Sutherland, Director of Research and co-leader of the Conservation Science Group who has been elected a member of the American Philosophical Society.

The APS is the oldest learned society in North America, founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin to bring together creative thinkers in the sciences and other fields of study (then referred to as “natural philosophy”), for the broad purpose of “promoting useful knowledge.” 

Election to the Society recognizes extraordinary accomplishments in every field of study as well as distinguished work in the arts, business, and public service. Newly-elected Members join a long lineage that includes many of the nation’s founders —George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Marshall were all APS Members.

The current elected membership of the APS consists of 817 resident members and 159 international members. Only 5,854 members have been elected since 1743.