Introducing Outstanding Individuals: Get Acquainted with a Few of the MacArthur Fellows of 2021
Introduction:
The MacArthur Fellows Program, also known as the “genius grant,” has selected its Class of 2023. The 20 fellows will each receive an $800,000 grant and have been recognized for their groundbreaking work and potential. Among the diverse group of recipients are scholars, poets, musicians, scientists, mathematicians, and writers. This prestigious honor not only provides financial security but also acknowledges the importance of their contributions to society.
Full Article: Introducing Outstanding Individuals: Get Acquainted with a Few of the MacArthur Fellows of 2021
MacArthur Foundation Honors 2023 Fellows
Surprise, shock, honor. Such were the emotions of many of the MacArthur Fellows selected this year by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
“I was in total shock when I first learned about it,” said Dr. Linsey C. Marr, a distinguished professor at Virginia Tech and one of the 20 individuals chosen as a MacArthur Fellow. “It’s kind of a mixture of elation and excitement and good fortune, because there’s so many people out there doing great research.”
Awarding Genius
The 20 MacArthur Fellows, recognized for their groundbreaking work and potential, will each receive an $800,000 ‘genius grant’ over a period of five years.
Marlies Carruth, director of the MacArthur Fellows program, stated, “The 2023 MacArthur Fellows are applying individual creativity with a global perspective, centering connections across generations and communities. They forge stunning forms of artistic expression, improve how we process information, and deepen our understanding of the environment.”
A Diverse Cohort
This year’s fellows include scholars, poets, musicians, scientists, mathematicians, and writers. Dr. Linsey Marr, an environmental engineer, focuses on air quality and public health. Her research also involves studying critical issues like air pollution and COVID-19 transmission.
The selection process for the MacArthur Fellowship is nuanced. External nominators from various fields nominate individuals who are then evaluated. The nominees themselves are unaware of their nomination status unless selected. Since 1981, the program has selected 20 to 30 fellows each year, totaling 1,131 MacArthur Fellows to date.
Transformative Work
The honor bestowed upon the fellows was met with awe and gratitude. Patrick Makuakāne, a choreographer and cultural preservationist, expressed his surprise and appreciation for being included. He said, “And then there’s hula. [It] says to me that … maybe MacArthur understands how transformative it is to people’s lives, having hula in their life.”
Dr. Lester Mackey, a principal researcher at Microsoft Research New England, spoke about his dedication to addressing social issues through machine learning. He said, “I dedicate at least some of my time to seeing how we, as machine learning people, can contribute to those. I’d love to do more of that and see how we can do that most effectively.”
Freedom to Innovate
The MacArthur Fellowship grants recipients the freedom to use the awarded funds according to their own discretion. Ada Limón, the Poet Laureate of the United States, expressed her gratitude for the financial security it provides. She hopes that the recognition brings attention to poetry and the poetic community as a whole.
Recognizing Potential
María Magdalena Campos-Pons, an artist and Vanderbilt University professor, emphasized the importance of recognizing the potential in individuals. She explores themes of representation, diaspora, and the black experience through her artwork.
Responsibility and Gratitude
While the MacArthur Fellowship is an honor, it also comes with certain pressures. Dr. Linsey Marr feels an obligation to society to continue addressing important problems that affect the average person. Manuel Muñoz, a fiction writer, sees the award as an affirmation of persistence and the value of his work.
Overall, the MacArthur Fellows program celebrates exceptional individuals and their contributions across a range of fields. It serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and innovation to transform lives and communities.
Summary: Introducing Outstanding Individuals: Get Acquainted with a Few of the MacArthur Fellows of 2021
The MacArthur Fellows for 2023 have been announced by the MacArthur Foundation, surprising and honoring 20 individuals selected for their groundbreaking work and potential. Each fellow will receive an $800,000 ‘genius grant’ over five years. The recipients include scholars, musicians, writers, and scientists, who are recognized for their contributions to various fields. The MacArthur Fellow honor comes with no specific responsibilities, allowing recipients the freedom to choose how to use the funds to further their work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the MacArthur Fellows Program?
A: The MacArthur Fellows Program, also known as the “Genius Grant,” is a prestigious award that recognizes individuals who have shown extraordinary talent and dedication in their respective fields. The fellowship provides financial support and national recognition to exceptional individuals.
Q: How are MacArthur Fellows selected?
A: MacArthur Fellows are selected through a highly confidential and independent nomination process. A diverse panel of experts from various disciplines evaluates the nominees based on their exceptional creativity, promise for the future, and their potential to make a significant impact in their fields.
Q: Who can be nominated for the MacArthur Fellowship?
A: Nominees for the MacArthur Fellowship can be from any field or occupation. They can be individuals who have made significant advancements in the arts, sciences, humanities, social sciences, or any other area of expertise. There are no specific criteria for the fellowship, and nominations are kept confidential.
Q: How much financial support do MacArthur Fellows receive?
A: MacArthur Fellows receive a “no-strings-attached” grant of $625,000, paid out in quarterly installments over a period of five years. This grant allows the Fellows to pursue their work freely, without any restrictions or obligations.
Q: Can previous MacArthur Fellows be nominated again?
A: Yes, previous MacArthur Fellows can be nominated again, as long as they still meet the eligibility criteria. The selection process focuses on recognizing new achievements and potential, so past recognition doesn’t disqualify someone from being reconsidered.
Q: How can I nominate someone for the MacArthur Fellowship?
A: The MacArthur Fellows Program accepts nominations only through a confidential process. It is not possible to nominate yourself or others openly. The program’s website provides information on how the selection process works, including details about submitting nominations.
Q: Can non-U.S. citizens be awarded the MacArthur Fellowship?
A: Yes, non-U.S. citizens or individuals working outside the United States can be awarded the MacArthur Fellowship. The program focuses on recognizing exceptional talent and creativity worldwide.
Q: Are there any commitments or expectations from MacArthur Fellows?
A: No, MacArthur Fellows have no specific commitments or expectations imposed on them. The fellowship is designed to provide support and encouragement for recipients to continue their work in their chosen fields. Fellows have complete freedom to utilize the grant as they deem necessary.
Q: How can I stay updated on the work of MacArthur Fellows?
A: The MacArthur Fellows Program regularly highlights the work and achievements of current and past Fellows on its official website. You can visit the website to learn more about individual Fellows, their projects, and the impact they are making in their respective fields.
