UC Irvine faculty members are among the most influential and brilliant leaders in the world. Our professors and researchers include Nobel laureates, recipients of the National Medal of Science, and members of the most prestigious scholarly, scientific and professional organizations.
Nobel Laureates
The Nobel Prize is an international award administered by the Nobel Foundation in Stockholm, Sweden. Since 1901, the prize has been awarded every year for profound achievements that have greatly contributed to physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace.
- Frederick Reines, physics, 1995
- Irwin A. Rose, chemistry, 2004
- F. Sherwood Rowland, chemistry, 1995
National Medal of Science
Established in 1959, the National Medal of Science is a presidential award that recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to science, mathematics and engineering.
- R. Duncan Luce, behavioral and social ccience, 2003
- Frederick Reines, physical sciences, 1983
National Humanities Medal
The National Humanities Medal honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities and broadened engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy and other related fields.
- Vicki Ruiz, history, Chicano/Latino studies, 2015
Pulitzer Prize
The Pulitzer Prize recognizes the most impactful achievements in American journalism, letters, drama and music.
- John R. Miles, English, 1996
- Barry Siegel, English, 2002
- Hector Tobar, English, 1992
Academy Memberships
| Academy Name | # of Faculty |
|---|---|
| National Academy of Sciences | 24 |
| National Academy of Medicine | 6 |
| National Academy of Engineering | 17 |
| American Academy of Arts and Sciences | 40 |
| National Academy of Inventors | 20 |
Additional Distinctions
| Honorary Organization | # of Faculty |
|---|---|
| American Philosophical Society | 5 |
| Guggenheim Fellows | 61 |
| American Association for the Advancement of Science | 154 |
| Sloan Foundation | 61 |
| American Academy of Nursing | 5 |
| National Academy of Education | 5 |
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Footnotes: Updated June 2025 |
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Rankings and Awards
Learn about the national and global rankings that make UC Irvine a prominent research institution
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