Since 1780, the Academy has been electing new members to recognise outstanding achievements in the arts and sciences, business, philanthropy and public affairs. Over 250 Nobel and Pulitzer prize winners are among its members, and some of its most famous members were Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein and Martin Luther King Jr.
"I am deeply honoured to join this circle of distinguished personalities. My gratitude goes to all past and present members of my lab, my mentors, and colleagues at Goethe University and to my family for their enduring support and friendship. I also wish to send a message to new generations stressing that science is an amazing profession where we can explore new ideas freely, enrich our creativity by curiosity, benefit society and have fun by sharing knowledge and working together with students and colleagues around the world," Djikic said after being notified of his election.
The induction ceremony for more than 200 new members will be held in Cambridge, Massachusetts in October. Among the newly-elected members is the former First Lady Michelle Obama.