Deanna M. Barch, PhD, a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, and Tor D. Wager, PhD, a professor of neuroscience at Dartmouth College, received the National Academy of Sciences’ Atkinson Prize in Psychological and Cognitive Sciences. Barch’s research has deepened understanding of behavior, brain, and mental health in early childhood, especially with regard to schizophrenia and depression. Wager’s research has reshaped knowledge of the neural mechanisms of emotion, pain, and belief, and how these processes influence physical and mental well-being. Each winner received $100,000.
Herbert H. Clark, PhD, a professor emeritus of psychology at Stanford University, has received the 2027 David E. Rumelhart Prize, a $125,000 award honoring contributions to the theoretical foundations of human cognition. During Clark’s 50-year career, his research on language demonstrated that dialogue requires continuous coordination, consensus, and negotiation of meaning between speakers and listeners. His research has influenced cognitive psychology, linguistics, psycholinguistics, AI, human-computer interaction, and social cognition.
Dolores Albarracín, PhD, has been appointed director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. She holds appointments in Penn’s communication and psychology departments and directs the Social Action Lab. A social psychologist, Albarracín studies how communication and persuasion shape beliefs, attitudes, goals, and behavior, particularly in ways that benefit society. In her new role, she leads the organization’s work on public opinion, fact-checking, and communication across politics, civics, health, science, adolescent risk, and climate.
Jioni A. Lewis, PhD, an associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of Maryland, has received a $1.5 million grant from the university’s Grand Challenges Grants program for the Women’s Health Interdisciplinary Research Collaborative. Lewis’s research focuses on the intersectional influences of gendered racism on mental health and the resistance, healing, and protective factors that buffer individuals against those effects. The university-wide initiative aims to close critical knowledge gaps in women’s health across the life span and leverage AI and community approaches to drive improvements.
Heather Bullock, PhD, has been appointed dean of the Division of Social Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz. A professor of psychology and director of the Center for Economic Justice and Action, Bullock also leads the UC Essential Needs Research, Training, and Promising Practices Consortium. Bullock is an internationally recognized scholar whose research examines the psychological dimensions of poverty and economic injustice. She brings a significant record of research, teaching, public engagement, and academic leadership to the role.
Kristie Patten, PhD, has been named the Gale and Ira Drukier Dean of New York University’s (NYU) Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. An educational psychologist and expert on autism, neurodiversity, and inclusive education, Patten has, with her research, helped shape how schools, families, and communities support neurodivergent learners. Prior to her appointment, Patten served as chair of NYU’s department of occupational therapy, vice dean of academic affairs, and counselor to NYU’s president. Throughout her career, Patten has secured more than $38 million in research grants, contracts, and donor gifts.
