New AAAS Fellow

James P. McIntyre Professor of Mathematics Solomon Friedberg, recognized for his scholarly work in number theory, representation theory, and automorphic forms—an analytical approach to complex mathematical problems—has been named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

He and 470 other scientists, engineers, and innovators who make up the 2024 class of fellows will be recognized at a forum in Washington, D.C., on June 7.

“I’m grateful for this recognition from the AAAS,” said Friedberg, who joined the Boston College faculty in 1996. “I am especially proud that this recognition comes from a multidisciplinary organization. As a mathematician, to see that the work I do is viewed as being important by a large group of scientists across the spectrum of the sciences is very exciting.”

Friedberg has received funding for his research from the National Security Agency, National Science Foundation, and Simons Foundation.

In addition to his scholarship, Friedberg served as the Mathematics Department chair from 2007 to 2016, years when a doctoral program and a new bachelor of science degree launched and enrollment in the department more than doubled. Friedberg has also worked with colleagues in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development and Boston-area public schools to support secondary math teachers in high-needs districts.

Previously, Friedberg has been named a Fellow of the American Mathematical Society, a 2021 Simons Fellow in Mathematics, and for two years chaired the United States National Commission on Mathematics Instruction.

Grateful for the support of his colleagues and Boston College, Friedberg said he hopes that the recognition can help to amplify his voice in support of science and scientists at a time when research funding is in jeopardy.

“This is a time when science needs spokespeople to explain to the country why science is important and maybe, in some way, this will amplify that message, which many mathematicians and scientists are putting out,” Friedberg said. “Is science a good investment for our national resources? My answer is yes. It is a very good investment. I hope to explain and share this perspective.”

One of the world’s largest general scientific societies and publisher of the Science family of journals, the AAAS first launched this lifetime recognition in 1874, about 25 years after the association was founded.

AAAS Fellows are recognized for their achievements across disciplines, from research, teaching, and technology to administration in academia, industry, and government to excellence in communicating and interpreting science to the public.

“This year’s class of Fellows are the embodiment of scientific excellence and service to our communities,” said AAAS Chief Executive Officer Sudip S. Parikh. “At a time when the future of the scientific enterprise in the U.S. and around the world is uncertain, their work demonstrates the value of sustained investment in science and engineering.”