Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences honors excellence and convenes leaders from every field of human endeavor to examine new ideas, address issues of importance to the nation and the world, and work together “to cultivate every art and science which may tend to advance the interest, honor, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous people.”
The Academy is guided by its commitment to the following values:
* Advancing the common good
* Upholding democratic ideals
* Elevating the use of evidence and knowledge
* Fostering deliberative discourse
* Preserving independence
* Embracing diversity and inclusivity
* Celebrating excellence