The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) elected three Columbia professors into its ranks. Election to the NAS is based on \"distinguished and continuing achievements in original research\" and is considered one of the highest honors a scientist or engineer can receive.
Each year the Academy elects no more than 84 new members, who must be U.S. citizens, and 21 foreign associates. NAS has about 2,250 members and 452 foreign associates; approximately 200 have received Nobel prizes.
The 2015 Columbia members are: