2 Princeton Professors Awarded MacArthur ‘Genius’ Grant

PRINCETON, NJ — Not one but two Princeton professors were awarded the MacArthur ‘Genius’ Grant for 2018.

Both professors are employed at Princeton University. Clifford Brangwynne, 40, is a Biophysical Engineer and Allan Sly, 36, is a Mathematician.

Sly was selected for his work in applying probability theory to resolve long-standing problems in statistical physics and computer science.

“Allan Sly is a brilliant mathematician whose extraordinary work has resolved challenging problems in the fields of probability and statistics. We are fortunate that he is at Princeton and we are delighted by the news of his selection as a MacArthur Fellow,” said Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber.

Brangwynne was selected for his us of the principles of soft matter physics and cell biology to illuminate novel mechanisms of cellular compartmentalization that drive biological development.

“Clifford Brangwynne’s path-breaking scholarship is advancing the frontier of bioengineering. With its potential to transform our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, his research exemplifies how the pursuit of deep scientific understanding can help society respond to its most urgent problems. All of us at Princeton applaud the MacArthur Foundation’s decision to recognize Professor Brangwynne with this well-deserved honor," Eisgruber said.

The MacArthur fellowships are awarded annually by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation "to talented individuals who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits and a marked capacity for self-direction," according to the macfound.org.

Each awardee will receive $625,000, distributed over five years.

(Images by John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation: From left - Allan Sly, 36, is a Mathematician and Clifford Brangwynne, 40, is a Biophysical Engineer, both professors at Princeton University)

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