The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize honors exceptional researchers whose scientific contributions and influence significantly advance the field of child learning and development.
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize
Previous recipients
Learning Minds
2023 Research Prize – Janet M. Currie
Princeton University’s Henry Putnam Professor of Economics and Public Affairs Janet Currie receives the 2023 Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize for her foundational work on the influence of context such as policy decisions, environment, or health…
Learning Minds
2021 Research Prize – Daniel L. Schwartz
Daniel L. Schwartz is selected as one of two recipients of the 2021 Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize, together with Charles A. Nelson, for his research into the mechanics of learning and problem-solving, and their application in enhancing the educat…
Learning Minds
2021 Research Prize – Charles A. Nelson
Prof. Charles A. Nelson receives the 2021 Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize for his groundbreaking research on the impacts of childhood adversities on brain development, behavioral disorders, and social stability.
Learning Minds
2019 Research Prize – Daphne Bavelier
Daphne Bavelier receives the 2019 Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize endowed with one million Swiss Francs for her research on promoting brain plasticity and learning by leveraging action video games.
Learning Minds
2017 Research Prize – Paul Bloom
Prof. Paul Bloom received the 2017 Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize for his research into the origins, nature and development of children’s moral thought and behavior.
Learning Minds
2016 Research Prize – Orazio P. Attanasio
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize 2016 went to economist Orazio P. Attanasio for his use of economic models and field experiments to assess and shape early child development programs and policies in low income countries.
Learning Minds
2015 Research Prize – Sarah-Jayne Blakemore
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize 2015 went to Professor Sarah-Jayne Blakemore of University College London (UCL), UK, for her research on understanding emotional and social brain development during adolescence.
Learning Minds
2014 Research Prize – Michael J. Meaney
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize 2014 went to the Canadian neurobiologist Michael J. Meaney, McGill University, Montreal, Canada, for his research on the mechanisms for how parental care becomes embedded in children’s biology.
Learning Minds
2013 Research Prize – Greg J. Duncan
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize 2013 went to the American economist Greg J. Duncan for his research on the long-term consequences of poverty in early childhood.
Learning Minds
2012 Research Prize – Dante Cicchetti
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize 2012 went to the leading international developmental and clinical psychologist Professor Dante Cicchetti for his research on the resilience of children and the developmental results of difficult life conditions.
Learning Minds
2011 Research Prize – Michael Tomasello
The Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize 2011 went to developmental psychologist Professor Michael Tomasello for his evidence-based research showing that already one-year old children can cooperate and help other children.
Learning Minds
2010 Research Prize – Terrie Moffitt and Avshalom Caspi
For their research on the interplay between genetic disposition and environmental influences Terrie Moffitt and Avshalom Caspi were awarded with the Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize 2010.
Learning Minds
2009 Research Prize – Laurence Steinberg
With the Klaus J. Jacobs Research Prize 2009, the Jacobs Foundation is rewarding Laurence Steinberg for his immense contribution to improving the life circumstances of young people and their families.