Joseph G. Polchinski, professor of physics, is a permanent member of the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics.

Anthony G. Evans, professor of materials, came to UCSB in 1984.

Two members of the UC Santa Barbara faculty have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research, the academy announced early this month.

Anthony G. Evans, a professor of materials in the College of Engineering, and Joseph G. Polchinski, a professor of physics and a permanent member of the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, were among the academy’s 72 new members and 18 foreign associates. Their election brings to a total of 25 the number of current UCSB faculty members elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

The NAS is one of the country’s most prestigious scientific organizations, and election to membership in the academy is considered one of the highest honors that can be accorded a U.S. scientist or engineer. Its Web site can be found at <http://national-academies.org>.

Chancellor Henry T. Yang said: “We at UCSB are delighted that the work of two more of our faculty colleagues has been recognized in this important way. Being elected to the National Academy of Sciences reflects the highest regard of one’s peers in the scientific community and is truly a prized distinction. Our campus community is proud to congratulate professors Evans and Polchinski, and to salute their achievements in scientific research.”

Polchinski, whose research interests include string theory, particle physics, and all applications of quantum field theory, joined the faculty at UC Santa Barbara in 1992.

Evans received his Ph.D. at Imperial College London in 1967. He has extensive experience in both industry and academe, and joined the faculty in 1984 to chair the new Materials Department.