Professor Asifa Majid has been recognised by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for contributions to understanding language, culture, and cognition, especially the relationship between language and sensory processing. She is also recognised for contributions to public understanding of science and for strengthening scientific communities.
In her research, Professor Majid investigates the relationship between language, culture, and cognition. She aims to understand which aspects of cognition are universal, which are language or culture specific, and whether our language influences thought. Her research addresses these questions through innovative laboratory experiments, in-depth linguistic studies and field work in diverse cultures.
Now, Professor Majid will be recognised as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society and publisher of the Science family of journals.
She is among the 471 scientists, engineers and innovators who have been elected 2024 Fellows for their scientifically and socially distinguished achievements throughout their careers.
Professor Majid said about receiving the honour: “I am deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition. I hope it helps shine a greater light on the unparalleled variety of languages and cultures and their vital role in advancing our scientific understanding of humanity and its place in the world."
I am deeply honoured and humbled by this recognition. I hope it helps shine a greater light on the unparalleled variety of languages and cultures and their vital role in advancing our scientific understanding of humanity and its place in the world.
- Professor Asifa Majid
Professor Matthew Rushworth, Head of Department of Experimental Psychology said: “I am delighted that Asifa’s research has been recognised in this way. Asifa’s research concerns one of the most fundamental issues – the very nature of thought itself – and she is one of the best in the field.”
A tradition dating back to 1874, election as an AAAS Fellow is a lifetime honour, and all Fellows are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and scientific integrity. Distinguished past honourees include Ellen Ochoa, Steven Chu, Grace Hopper, Alan Alda, Mae Jemison and Ayanna Howard.
“This year’s class of Fellows are the embodiment of scientific excellence and service to our communities,” said Sudip S. Parikh, Ph.D., AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. “At a time when the future of the scientific enterprise in the U.S. and around the world is uncertain, their work demonstrates the value of sustained investment in science and engineering.”