School of Social Science

From navigating physical ruins to collaborating with master potters and glassblowers, hands-on, tactile engagement remains an essential part of how discoveries are made at IAS. In this article, Institute scholars discuss what discovery through process means to them, sharing how craftsmanship, practice, and the arts actively shape their pursuit of knowledge.

Myles W. Jackson, Ernst and Elisabeth Albers-Schönberg Professor in the History of Science in the School of Historical Studies, is among the 2026 electees to the American Philosophical Society. Alongside Jackson, five former scholars from the Schools of Historical Studies and Social Science were named as members of the society this year.

Ten former IAS scholars—and one who will join the Institute in the fall—have been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The Schools of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Social Science are represented in the 2026 cohort. Announced each spring, NAS membership represents a unique honor in recognition of original research.

Among the 252 new members elected to the American Academy of Arts & Sciences this spring are thirteen scholars with connections to IAS. All four Schools are represented in this year’s cohort, described by the Academy as “leaders in academia, the arts, industry, journalism, philanthropy, policy, research, and science.”

Both of the scholars awarded this year’s Bancroft Prize have ties to IAS: Emilie Connolly, Member (2024–25) in the School of Historical Studies, and Beth Lew-Williams, Visitor (2015–16) in the School of Social Science. The New York Times announced the awards, describing the prize as "one of the most prestigious honors for scholars of American history."

The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has announced that Molly J. Crockett, Member (2025–26) in the School of Social Science, is a recipient of a 2026 Troland Research Award. Crockett, a cognitive scientist, has, in the words of NAS, "redefined our understanding of moral cognition."

Cathy N. Davidson, Visitor in the School of Social Science, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education, for her work as a "leading voice in digital literacy, learning science, and interdisciplinary innovation."