The Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters announced the 2026 class of Fellows, recognizing sixteen Wisconsinites who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to intellectual discourse and public service. Among this year’s honorees is Dr. David Andes, a globally recognized leader in infectious disease research and healthcare.

The Wisconsin Academy Fellows Award honors educators, researchers, mentors, artists, and civic or business leaders who have made significant contributions to their fields and to the cultural life and welfare of the state. Fellows are selected through a rigorous process every two years and represent the highest level of achievement across Wisconsin’s sciences, arts, and letters.

Dr. Andes stands out as an internationally recognized clinician-scientist and a leading authority in infections and pharmacology. As the William Craig Professor in the Departments of Medicine, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, and Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, his work addresses one of the most pressing global health threats: antimicrobial resistance. His research has identified strategies to combat drug-resistant infections, with many findings implemented in national and international guidelines, helping to improve patient care worldwide.

“When we are looking for inspiration and a vision for what is possible, the Wisconsin Academy Fellows program serves as a light, showcasing bright minds and creative voices from every corner of our state,” says Wisconsin Academy Executive Director Erika Monroe-Kane. “Academy Fellows are groundbreakers who have had a deep, meaningful impact and significantly contribute to a vibrant and brilliant Wisconsin.”

Established in 1982, the Fellows program is the only award that recognizes outstanding work across the sciences, arts, and letters in Wisconsin. The 2026 class will join more than 100 current Fellows from across the state and will be inducted at a ceremony in Fall 2026.

In addition to Dr. David Andes, the 2026 Fellows include leaders across disciplines in science, arts, and public life, reflecting the depth and diversity of talent throughout Wisconsin.

About the Fellows Program
Since its founding in 1870, the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters has been dedicated to the belief that the health of the state depends on the free exchange of ideas. The Fellows program brings together influential thinkers, creators, and leaders from across Wisconsin to advance that mission.

About the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts & Letters
A champion of independent thought, creativity, and civil discourse, the Wisconsin Academy connects people across the state through exhibitions, publications, and initiatives that spark curiosity, creativity, and dialogue.