Duke University Researcher Awarded Prestigious MacArthur Fellowship
A groundbreaking researcher aiming to transform our understanding of human memory has been recognized with a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship. Felipe De Brigard, who specializes in philosophy and cognitive neuroscience at Duke University, is one of the 20 distinguished individuals selected to receive this year’s “Genius Grants.”
De Brigard’s research delves into the mechanisms of memory, with a focus on modifying memories of traumatic events to alleviate negative emotional responses. The MacArthur Foundation will provide him with an $800,000 award to further his innovative work. His surprise at the announcement of the award was palpable, as he shared, “I was floored. It’s huge news. I had no inkling I was being considered for it,” according to a release from Duke. The notification came during a work retreat in Asheville.
Since joining Duke University in 2013, De Brigard has become the fifth faculty member from the institution to receive the MacArthur award. His notable project, “Memoria & Perdón” (“Memory and Forgiveness”), conducted in Colombia, investigated how forgiveness might aid survivors of political violence in altering their emotional responses to past events without erasing the memories themselves.
Duke President Vincent E. Price expressed his enthusiasm for De Brigard’s recognition: “I am thrilled that Felipe De Brigard has been selected as a MacArthur Fellow. His creative, cross-disciplinary scholarship is expanding our understanding of the human mind and opening new pathways to improve the human experience. We are proud to have him as a member of the Duke University faculty.”
