The University of Georgia has added two more names to its ranks of National Academy members, as professors Gerald Hart and Robert Schmitz were elected to the National Academy of Sciences at the conclusion of its 163rd annual meeting in April.

NAS recognizes distinguished achievements in research and is a widely accepted mark of excellence in science. It is considered one of the highest honors a scientist can achieve. Schmitz and Hart are part of a 2026 class that includes 120 new members and 25 international members, bringing the total number of active members to 2,705. With their addition, UGA now has 19 NAS members.