Posted on September 21, 2011

MacArthur Foundation Announces 2011 Fellows

The Chicago-based John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced the names of twenty-two MacArthur Fellows for 2011.

Selected for their creativity, originality, and potential to make important contributions in the future, the recipients of this year's "genius awards" will each receive $500,000 over five years with no strings attached. This year's fellows were chosen by a group of anonymous nominators from many fields who were challenged to identify individuals of any age who have demonstrated exceptional creativity and promise. Since the inaugural class of MacArthur Fellows was announced three decades ago, 850 people have been awarded fellowships.

This year's recipients include Elodie Ghedin, a parasitologist/virologist who decodes the genomes of virulent human pathogens that threaten the lives of millions in the developing world; Jad Abumrad, a radio producer who has engaged a new generation of listeners with audio explorations of scientific and philosophical questions; Dafnis Prieto, a percussionist and composer who infuses Latin jazz with bold new energy and sounds; Matthew Nock, a clinical psychologist who has deepened our understanding of self-injury and suicide among adolescents and adults; and Kevin Guskiewiz, a sports medicine researcher who has advanced the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related brain injuries to improve the safety of athletes of all ages.

"This has been a year of great change and extraordinary challenge, and we are once again reminded of the potential individuals have to make a difference in the world and shape our future," said MacArthur Foundation president Robert Gallucci. "The MacArthur Fellows exemplify how individual creativity and talent can spark new insights and ideas in every imaginable field of human endeavor."

For the complete list of 2011 MacArthur Fellows, visit the MacArthur Foundation Web site.