Askey elected to National Academy of Sciences

The National Academy of Sciences today (April 27) announced the election of mathematics professor Richard A. Askey to membership in the prestigious organization.

Sixty U.S. scientists and 15 foreign associates were elected to membership this morning during the business session of the 136tth annual meeting of the Academy, a private organization of scientists established by congressional act of incorporation in 1863. Election to membership is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer.

Askey is the Gabor Szego Professor of Mathematics at UW–Madison. His areas of interest include harmonic analysis and special function. He is also known as an inspiring teacher and an ardent proponent of mathematics education as well as a student of the history of mathematics.

Askey joined the UW–Madison faculty in 1963. He is the author of more than 150 papers and several books. Askey’s past honors include fellowships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also an honorary member of the Indian Academy of Sciences.