2025 MacArthur Fellows Announced: 22 Winners of the Prestigious Genius Grant

We are proud to share that the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has announced the 2025 MacArthur Fellows, often called the MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipients.

Today, 22 outstanding individuals in the whole United States have been recognized based on their creativity, leadership and long-term contribution to the society. The fellows are awarded $800,000 each, in installments of five years and there is no limit of usage of the same. This freedom enables them to pursue their work, new ideas as well as advance in their fields.

What Is the MacArthur Fellowship?

The MacArthur Fellowship is a recognition of individuals that offer innovative solutions to practical problems. Fellows are drawn to various professions such as science, art, writing, education and service to the society.

Since 1981 over a thousand individuals have been identified by the program as having transformed the way we think, create and learn. The nominations are secret and the decisions are made by a separate committee.

The 2025 MacArthur Fellows

Here are the 22 MacArthur Fellows for 2025:

1. Ángel F. Adames Corraliza – Atmospheric scientist studying tropical weather systems.
2. Matt Black – Photographer capturing stories of social and economic inequality.
3. Garrett Bradley – Filmmaker exploring race, justice, and identity through documentary film.
4. Heather Christian – Composer and performer merging theater and music in storytelling.
5. Nabarun Dasgupta – Epidemiologist addressing drug safety and public health data.
6. Kristina Douglass – Archaeologist connecting history, culture, and environmental change.
7. Kareem El-Badry – Astrophysicist studying the evolution of stars and galaxies.
8. Jeremy Frey – Wabanaki scholar promoting Indigenous education and language revitalization.
9. Hahrie Han – Political scientist working on civic engagement and democracy.
10. Tonika Lewis Johnson – Artist and social activist focusing on racial equity and community storytelling.
11. Ieva Jusionyte – Anthropologist examining border security and migration.
12. Toby Kiers – Biologist researching cooperation and resource-sharing in ecosystems.
13. Jason McLellan – Structural biologist advancing vaccine and virus research.
14. Tuan Andrew Nguyen – Visual artist exploring cultural memory and healing.
15. Tommy Orange – Author known for powerful stories about Native American identity.
16. Margaret Wickens Pearce – Cartographer mapping Indigenous histories and experiences.
17. Sébastien Philippe – Nuclear scientist advocating for transparency and global safety.
18. Gala Porras-Kim – Artist connecting archaeology, heritage, and ethics in creative work.
19. Teresa Puthussery – Neuroscientist researching vision and brain development.
20. Craig Taborn – Jazz pianist and composer known for improvisational excellence.
21. William Tarpeh – Environmental engineer developing new ways to recycle waste into resources.
22. Lauren K. Williams – Mathematician exploring geometry, algebra, and combinatorics.

Why the Fellowship Matters

The MacArthur fellowship is unique in that it provides confidence and liberty. The award does not restrict how it is to be used: fellows can research, create, teach, or even think.

Curiosity and imagination are essential factors in this award. It is a reminder that the progress of any kind is frequently initiated by individuals, who think in a different way, who pose new questions and encourage others to do so.

We are proud of the 2025 MacArthur Fellows at GlobalX Publications because they committed their lives to knowledge, creativity and social development. Their experiences remind us that real leadership starts with the vision, purpose and the boldness to make the change happen.