Institute of Child Development Professor Damien Fair has been named a fellow by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. He is the recipient of a “genius grant” that is given to faculty who illustrate originality and creative pursuits in their field of study.

Fair is also a professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical School and is the Redleaf Director of the University’s Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. Fair has extensive research expertise in brain imaging and cognitive neuroscience, and is renowned for his collaborative and engaging leadership.

“It is humbling to have been selected for the MacArthur Fellowship, Fair said. “The progress we’ve made toward characterizing brain function rests on the shoulders of giants in the field, has been motivated by the passions of the students and trainees, and is made possible by the collaborative nature of my peers. I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue this journey toward improving developmental brain health with my exceptional colleagues and community partners here in Minnesota.”

The MacArthur Foundation fellowship is awarded to talented individuals in a variety of fields who have shown exceptional originality in and dedication to their creative pursuits. Fellows receive $625,000 stipends that are bestowed with no conditions Recipients may use the money as they see fit to further their pursuits. Nominated anonymously by leaders in their respective fields and considered by an anonymous selection committee, recipients learn of their selection only when they receive a call from the MacArthur Foundation just before the public announcement.