---
title: 2 UMD Physicists Elected to National Academy of Sciences
date: 2026-04-30T14:30:00-04:00
author: University of Maryland
canonical_url: "https://today.umd.edu/2-umd-physicists-elected-to-national-academy-of-sciences"
section: Articles
---
# 2 UMD Physicists Elected to National Academy of Sciences

*April 30, 2026* — by [College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences Staff](/author/college-of-computer-mathematical-and-natural-sciences-staff)


> Das Sarma, Greene Honored for Research Exploring Foundations of Quantum Science

*The M 09082022 JC 9095 1920x1080 — Two physicists are the latest UMD faculty members elected to the National Academy of Sciences. (Photo by John T. Consoli)*

Two Distinguished University Professors in the University of Maryland’s Department of Physics have been elected to the[ National Academy of Sciences](https://www.nasonline.org/news/2026-nas-election/) for outstanding accomplishments in quantum science.[](https://umdphysics.umd.edu/people/faculty/current/item/114-dassarma.html)

[Sankar Das Sarma](https://umdphysics.umd.edu/people/faculty/current/item/114-dassarma.html) and[ Richard L. Greene](https://umdphysics.umd.edu/people/faculty/emeritus/item/196-rickg.html) were among the 120 American and 25 international scientists selected this year “in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.”

They join fewer than 2,800 American scientists from all disciplines who have been chosen by academy members for outstanding contributions. Their election brings the total number of Terps in the academy to 27; UMD faculty memberships in national academies now stand at more than 110.

“The dedication of Sankar Das Sarma and Richard Greene to excellence exemplifies the intellectual leadership of our faculty, and we are proud to see their contributions be recognized among the most impactful in science today,” said Amitabh Varshney, dean of the College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences.

The recognition underscores UMD’s position as a leading global center of quantum science and technology, with more than 200 dedicated researchers, key partnerships with the National Institute of Standards and Technology and other federal agencies, and several on-campus research institutes.

“To have two of our finest researchers recognized by one of the highest honors in American science is a fitting testament to their pathfinding work, and it reflects the commitment to excellence in the Department of Physics and the university as a whole,” said Steven Rolston, chair of the Department of Physics.


*Sankar Das Sarma headshot — Sankar Das Sarma*


*Richard L. Greene headshot — Richard L. Greene*




**Topics:** [Research](https://today.umd.edu/tags/research)


**Tags:** [Physics](https://today.umd.edu/topic/physics), [Quantum Science](https://today.umd.edu/topic/quantum-science), [Research](https://today.umd.edu/topic/research)


**Units:** [College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences](https://today.umd.edu/topic/college-computer-mathematical-and-natural-sciences)