Fischer Receives Transforming Education through Neuroscience Award

Professor Kurt Fischer was recently bestowed the Transforming Education through Neuroscience Award at the Learning & the Brain Conference, a national interdisciplinary scientific and education conference that promotes the most innovative and distinguished thinking. The award established by Learning & the Brain and the International Mind, Brain, and Education Society honors an individual who represents excellence in bridging neuroscience and education. Fischer was awarded $5,000 to further partnerships between educators and neuroscientists.

"The fundamental goal of the mind, brain, and education movement is to improve education for everyone. The means is to create a strong research foundation for educational practice and policy -- a foundation that is informed by input from educators and includes the roles of the brain and genetics in learning," Fischer said. "We will harness the vigorous sciences of biology and cognitive development science to transform education. With this strong foundation the next generation of youth will possess the tools to solve the many deep problems that plague our world."

"There is no one more deserving of the Transforming Education through Neuroscience Award than Kurt Fischer," says Charles Nelson III, neuroscientist and professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. "He is without a doubt the leader in the emerging field of brain and education. Professor Fischer is a beacon of light for those striving to meld the brain sciences with the field of education."

Kenneth Kosik, codirector of the Neuroscience Research Institute at the University of California at Santa Barbara, who presented the award to Fischer, commented, "More than a decade ago when we founded the Learning & the Brain Conference, Kurt Fischer was already thinking about linking education and neuroscience. This award recognizes his steadfast vision that neuroscience research can enhance education in our schools."