Arno Motulsky, professor emeritus (active) of medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, and of genome sciences, has been elected to the American Philosophical Society.

Established in 1743, the American Philosophical Society has played a role in American cultural and intellectual life for 260 years. The organization promotes knowledge in the sciences and humanities through scholarly research, meetings, publications, a library, and community outreach.

Election to the American Philosophical Society honors accomplishments in all fields. The Society’s 700-plus members include scientists, writers, artists, statesmen, archaeologists, musicians, historians, and others. More than 200 members received Nobel Prizes in the 20th century.

In 1957, Motulsky founded the UW’s Division of Medical Genetics, one of the first of its type in the nation. He has had an illustrious career as a researcher and teacher and as a commentator on the social implications of genetic research. He is noted for his work on genetic variation in response to therapeutic drugs and environmental agents and on the genetics of heart disease.