Natural Sciences Scholars Elected Fellows of the American Physical Society

Three scholars affiliated with the Institute’s School of Natural Sciences have been elected as 2026 Fellows of the American Physical Society (APS). Election to an APS Fellowship is a prestigious honor bestowed upon fewer than one-half of one percent of the Society’s membership each year, recognizing exceptional contributions to physics through original research, applications, and leadership.

The newly recognized IAS scholars include Chuanfei Dong, IBM Einstein Fellow (2026), who was elected through the Topical Group in Plasma Astrophysics. Dong was honored for "pioneering contributions to plasma astrophysics through theoretical and computational studies of magnetic reconnection, turbulence, planetary magnetospheres, and atmospheric escape; and for exemplary leadership in space-plasma modeling and missions."

Xiaoliang Qi, Junior Visiting Professor (2017–18) and Member (2025), was selected by the Division of Condensed Matter Physics. Qi was cited for "pioneering contributions to the theoretical understanding of topological states of matter and emergent phenomena in quantum many-body systems."

Sukanya Chakrabarti, Member (2020–21) and Visitor (2004), was elected via the Division of Astrophysics. She was recognized for "novel and sustained contributions to the understanding of dark matter based on the development of extreme-precision dynamical measurements, as well as pioneering considerations of binaries hosting compact objects."

The American Physical Society is a nonprofit membership organization working to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics through outstanding research journals, scientific meetings, and education, outreach, advocacy, and international activities.  

Read more about the APS Fellowship Program and view the full list of new Fellows on the American Physical Society website.