Historic US academy honours neuroscientist for her pioneering educational work
Fellow’s research ‘stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding’
An award-winning neuroscientist from St John’s has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in recognition of the global significance of her research.
Professor Usha Goswami CBE, Professor of Cognitive Developmental Neuroscience and Founding Director of the Centre for Neuroscience in Education, has been named as a new member of the academy. Early elected members of the organisation included US President George Washington and Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin.
“I was delighted to receive this unexpected honour from the American Academy, which is also a recognition of the quality of my team at the Centre for Neuroscience in Education,” said Professor Goswami, who is a global leader in literacy research. In 2020, she was awarded the prestigious $3.9 million Yidan Prize for her work.
“The years I spent as a researcher in America via my Harkness and National Academy of Education Fellowships were of central importance to my development as a scholar.”
Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences honours excellence and convenes leaders from every field of human endeavour to examine new ideas, address issues of importance to the nation and the world, and work together. Its charter states: “To cultivate every art and science which may tend to advance the interest, honour, dignity, and happiness of a free, independent, and virtuous people.”
Its work has helped set the direction of research and analysis in science and technology policy, global security and international affairs, social policy, education, humanities and the arts.
Academy President Laurie L Patton said: “These new members’ accomplishments speak volumes about the human capacity for discovery, creativity, leadership, and persistence. They are a stellar testament to the power of knowledge to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding.
“We invite every new member to celebrate their achievement and join the academy in our work to promote the common good.”
Professor Goswami is one of nearly 250 members elected this year. She has been invited to a formal induction ceremony into the academy at its headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in October.
Published 2/5/2025