On April 23, 2025, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences (AAAS) announced its newest elected members, including CIERA Faculty member Fred Rasio. Nine total Northwestern University faculty members were named to the 2025 class. Prof. Rasio is the only one in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences class. The AAAS is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honorary societies.
Prof. Fred Rasio
Frederic Rasio is the Joseph Cummings Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Northwestern’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and member of the Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA).
Rasio studies the long-term dynamics of planetary systems, including the chaotic dynamics of multi-planet systems as they evolve over billions of years. He also studies the evolution of dense stellar clusters over the history of the universe. His most recent work focuses on gravitational wave sources and the formation of massive black holes. A leader in understanding the dynamics of compact objects, Rasio also has made important contributions to understanding the formation of binary black holes.
Since 2013, Rasio has served as the editor of The Astrophysical Journal Letters. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society, American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Astronomical Society. He also received an Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship and the Brouwer Career Award from the American Astronomical Society.
“These new members’ accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding,” said Laurie L. Patton, president of the Academy. “We invite every new member to celebrate their achievement and join the Academy in our work to promote the common good.”
Continue to the full announcement from Northwestern News.
View the official 2025 announcement from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences.