Apr 18, 2012 05:43 PM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Durham, NC - Two Duke University scholars are among 220 new members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Duke's new members are Victor J. Dzau, James B. Duke Professor of Medicine, and Caroline Bruzelius, Anne Cogan Professor of Art History.

"It is truly an honor and privilege for me to be selected among leaders who represent the whole spectrum of society -- education, performing arts, technology, humanities and science," said Dzau, who is also chancellor for health affairs and president and CEO of the Duke University Health System. "As the head of an academic health system, I am committed to bringing the knowledge and expertise we have gained from research to help improve the health of people throughout our community and beyond. Hopefully, by working together with great and creative leaders across all disciplines recognized by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, we can forge a better future for all of society. I am honored and inspired to continue leading this charge."

Dzau and Bruzelius join 42 other Duke scholars as members of one of the nation's most prestigious honorary societies and a leading center for independent policy research. Members contribute to academy publications and studies of science and technology policy, energy and global security, social policy and American institutions, the humanities and culture, and education.

"It is a great honor to be elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, which represents the highest levels of achievement in research and scholarship," Bruzelius said. "I have had -- I'm still having -- a wonderfully interesting life as a teacher and a scholar, and feel immensely grateful to Duke University for supporting the work I do, as well as for the inspiration I receive from my colleagues and my students."

The new class will be inducted at a ceremony on Oct. 6, at the Academy's headquarters in Cambridge, Mass.

Since its founding in 1780, the academy has elected leading "thinkers and doers" from each generation, including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century, Daniel Webster and Ralph Waldo Emerson in the 19th century and Albert Einstein and Winston Churchill in the 20th century. The current membership includes more than 250 Nobel laureates and more than 60 Pulitzer Prize winners.

Source: Duke University

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