Diamond, the recipient of the National Medal of Science in 1999 and Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 1998 for his book "Guns, Germs, and Steel," is widely recognized as a founder of conservation biology. Diamond contributes enormously to the preservation of endangered species by identifying what makes some animal populations more vulnerable to extinction than others.

The designer of comprehensive national park plans for three countries, Diamond is also known for applying his practical expertise to stem the accelerating loss of the world's biodiversity. The author of 500 technical articles, he devotes much of his time to conveying understanding of important scientific issues to the general public.

Diamond has written more than 100 articles in such popular magazines as Discover, Natural History and Harper's. He is probably best known for his prize-winning books. In addition to "Guns, Germs & Steel," he is the author of "The Third Chimpanzee," "Why Is Sex Fun?" and, most recently,"Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed." Diamond's other honors include Tyler Prize for Environmental Science and research prizes from the American Physiological Society, American Gastroenterological Society and the American Ornithologists Union.

Diamond was one of three UCLA faculty who were among the 64 new members named to the Institute of Medicine. Also elected from UCLA were Robert Kaplan, professor and chair of health serviecs in the School of Public Health; and Jeanne Miranda, professor-in-residence of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior and the Geffen School of Medicine, and assistant director of the UCLA Health Services Research Center.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Institute of Medicine, which was established in 1970 by the National Academy of Sciences to honor professional achievement in the health sciences and to serve as a national resource for independent analysis and recommendations on issues related to medicine, biomedical sciences and health.

"This prestigious recognition for three members of our faculty - Jared Diamond, Robert Kaplan and Jeanne Miranda - demonstrates the great success that can be achieved when an interdisciplinary approach is applied to teaching and research," said UCLA Chancellor Albert Carnesale. "This is one of the highest honors bestowed in the medical sciences, health care and public health. We extend our congratulations to the UCLA recipients and our appreciation to the Institute of Medicine for acknowledging them."

Current active members elect new members from a slate of candidates nominated for their professional achievement. A diversity of talent among members is assured by the institute's charter, which requires that at least one-quarter be selected from fields outside the health professions - such as the social and behavioral sciences, law, engineering and the humanities.

With their election, members make a commitment to involve themselves in the work of the institute, which conducts studies and other activities addressing a wide range of issues in medical science, health services, public health and health policy.

With last week's appointments, total IOM membership stands at 1,602, including 69 foreign associates and 62 members with emeritus status.