06/26/2015 - The Pontifical Academy of Sciences, one of the most renowned around the globe, has selected climate scientist John Schellnhuber to become a member. Pope Francis himself nominated him last week. Schellnhuber, a professor of physics and director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, participated in a number of the Academy’s workshops on the sustainability challenge before, and he was the only scientist to speak at the presentation of the environmental encyclical “Laudato Si” in the Vatican.
Founded in 1603 as the first exclusively scientific academy in history, it consists of only 80 members appointed for life. This makes the Pontifical Academy one of the most selective in the world. The members are chosen exclusively on the grounds of scientific excellence, irrespective of their religious background. In fact, members include Hindus and atheists. 36 countries are currently represented. Many Nobel Laureates are among the members, including the Academy’s president Werner Arber (Nobel Prize for Medicine).
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