Marilyn Raphael elected to National Academy of Sciences

Marilyn Raphael, professor of geography and former director of UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences — one of the most selective and distinguished honors in the field of science. Raphael is one of four UCLA faculty elected this year, joining a new class of 120 U.S. members and 30 international members, the academy announced today.

Established by Congress in 1863, the academy provides independent, evidence-based advice to the U.S. government on issues involving science and technology. New members are nominated and vetted by current academy members in recognition of exceptional scientific impact, with only a select few elected each year. More than 200 Nobel laureates are among the academy’s members, including Syukuro Manabe, who was awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics for demonstrating how rising carbon dioxide levels lead to increased global temperatures.

Raphael is internationally recognized for her research on Southern Hemisphere atmospheric dynamics and Antarctic sea ice variability, including the role of polar processes in the global climate system. Her work has improved climate models and deepened understanding of variability at seasonal, interannual and decadal scales. She has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed scientific papers and is the co-author of “Encyclopedia of Weather and Climate Change: A Complete Visual Guide,” which received the Most Popular Book award from Atmospheric Science Librarians International.

In addition to her research, Raphael has held leadership roles across major national and international science organizations. She is a past president of the American Association of Geographers and has served as co-chair of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research’s expert group on sea ice processes. Today, she co-leads the World Climate Research Programme’s Polar Climate Predictability Initiative and serves on the National Academies Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate, helping shape long-term research priorities in climate science.

A UCLA faculty member since 1998, Raphael served as chair of the Department of Geography from 2010 to 2013 and later as director of the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. She also plays an active role in mentoring early-career scientists and expanding access to opportunities in climate research.

This year’s cohort of UCLA faculty elected to the academy also includes Heather D. Maynard, Dr. Myung Ki Hong Professor in Polymer Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Sorin Popa, professor and Takesaki Endowed Chair in Operator Algebras, Department of Mathematics; and Edward E. Leamer, professor of economics and statistics in the Department of Economics, who was elected posthumously.

“It is a tremendous honor to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences,” Raphael said. “I feel grateful to have my research and service be valued so highly by the community. I look forward to working with the academy to advance its mission of fostering a broad understanding of science, especially in the Antarctic.”

• Institute of Environment and Sustainability

Published: April 29, 2025