Congratulations to Professor Uta Paszkowski whose election to the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS) was formally recognised at the NAS signing ceremony on 24 April 2026, marking her official induction as an International Member of one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions.
During the ceremony members elected in 2025 are introduced to their colleagues in the Academy and sign the Registry of Membership.
In response to the announcement of her election in 2025, Professor Paszkowski, Acting Director of the Crop Science Centre and head of the Cereal symbiosis group at the Department of Plant Sciences, Cambridge, said: “I still cannot believe that this is true and thank the NAS for the recognition of our work. Even more, I feel an immense gratitude to my team for all the wonderful science that we do together.”
Professor Paszkowski’s election to the NAS recognises her distinguished contributions to plant science, particularly her pioneering research into symbiotic relationships between plants, in particular cereals, and fungi. Her work has significantly advanced understanding of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbioses – a widespread and ancient partnership that plays a crucial role in plant nutrition, especially phosphate uptake in crops. Professor Paszkowski and her team established rice and maize as crop model systems for studying AM symbiosis, contributing seminal insights that continue to shape the field.
The NAS signing ceremony is a symbolic milestone for newly elected members, reflecting their commitment to scientific excellence and service to the global research community.
Her election places her among a distinguished cohort of scientists whose work drives innovation and deepens fundamental biological understanding. We warmly congratulate Professor Paszkowski on this honour.
Watch the signing ceremony on YouTube (59.34): NAS 163rd Annual Meeting - Presentation Ceremony
Image: Professor Uta Paszkowski at the NAS signing ceremony in Washington, US. Photo provided by Professor Paszkowski.