This week, the National Academy of Sciences announced the election of 120 new members, including Sarah Gibson of the U.S. National Science Foundation National Center for Atmospheric Research (NSF NCAR). Gibson is a senior scientist at NSF NCAR, where she studies solar magnetism – the force that lies at the heart of the space weather that impacts technology here on Earth. Her work makes use of models and observations of the Sun's corona and heliosphere, tackling problems from short-term dynamic eruptions to long-term (decadal) variation of the solar magnetic activity cycle. 

“Sarah’s recognition by the National Academy of Sciences is well-deserved. She is an internationally recognized leader in coronal magnetism research and her work is vital to understanding the origins of space weather and how we can protect our technologically dependent society,” said NSF NCAR Director Everette Joseph. “Sarah exemplifies NSF NCAR’s commitment to leveraging research for a safer and more resilient nation and world. We applaud her election to the Academy.” 

Gibson has received numerous awards and honors for her work in solar physics and has been featured as an expert in various news outlets and documentaries. In 2022, she was named an AGU Fellow in recognition of her exceptional contributions to Earth and space science and remarkable innovation. Beyond her formal recognitions, Gibson is committed to education and public outreach. She has mentored many students and early-career scientists and is a sought-after speaker for public science talks. 

“I am truly honored to be elected to the Academy," said Gibson. "I am also deeply grateful for the support I have received during my career at NSF NCAR and for the opportunities I have had to work with amazing and talented scientists across the nation and around the world."

Election to the National Academy of Sciences is widely accepted as a mark of excellence in science. The election of the 120 new members to the National Academy of Sciences will bring the total number of active members to 2,705. Read more about this year’s cohort from the National Academy of Sciences’ press release on their website.

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