Serageldin Elected Member of the American Philosophical Society
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The members of the American Philosophical Society (APS) have voted Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria into membership. This high honor was conferred to Serageldin in recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments in fields of intellectual endeavor and public service. He was nominated and elected by his peers in the Society, which has seven hundred members of eminent scholars from a wide variety of disciplines. Other members elected this year include several Nobel laureates and the newest member of the US Supreme Court. Of the 37 new members elected in 2011, Serageldin is one of eight international members.
Founded in 1743 by Benjamin Franklin, the American Philosophical Society is America's oldest and most prestigious learned society. It promotes useful knowledge in the sciences and humanities through excellence in scholarly research, professional meetings, publications, library resources, and community outreach. The APS honors and engages distinguished scientists, humanists, social scientists, and leaders in civic and cultural affairs through elected membership.
Serageldin is highly regarded worldwide for his attempts to combat hunger in developing countries, and his tireless efforts to re-establish the importance of science in the Arab and Muslim world.