Nicholas Peppas, professor in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin and an expert in biomaterials and drug delivery systems, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Peppas is one of 228 new members elected this year. They include some of the world’s most accomplished scholars, scientists, writers and artists as well as civic, business and philanthropic leaders.

“Nicholas is a pioneer in oral drug delivery systems, and his breakthrough discoveries and inventions have had an enormous impact on quality of life around the world,” said Sharon L. Wood, dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering. “We congratulate him on this honor and on the significance of his many contributions to engineering and medicine.”

Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is one of the country’s oldest learned societies and independent policy research centers, convening leaders from the academic, business and government sectors to respond to the challenges facing — and opportunities available to — the nation and the world. Members contribute to academy publications and studies in science, engineering and technology policy; global security and international affairs; the humanities, arts and education; and American institutions and the public good.

Peppas has been a highly accomplished innovator, entrepreneur and professor, currently holding appointments in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, surgery and pharmacy at UT Austin. He has six honorary doctorates, 43 U.S. patents pending or issued, three companies founded and more than 1,350 papers published. He joined the UT Austin faculty in 2002 and served as chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering from 2009 to 2015.