Hahrie Han, a prominent political scientist at Johns Hopkins University, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 MacArthur Fellowship. This year, 22 individuals received the honor, which is often referred to as a “genius grant.” Han is the inaugural director of the SNF Agora Institute, a center focused on civic engagement and democracy.
A Recognized Scholar
The MacArthur Fellowship is awarded annually by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. It recognizes “extraordinarily talented and creative individuals” across various fields. Recipients are nominated anonymously and receive $800,000 over five years to further their work without restrictions.
Han, who specializes in political organizing and social movements, learned of her selection during a call with John Palfrey, the foundation’s president. She expressed her surprise at the recognition, noting that it was unexpected due to the secretive nature of the selection process.
Significance of the Award
- First political scientist awarded since 2001
- First Johns Hopkins faculty member honored since 2008
- Recognized for contributions to democracy and civic engagement
In her statement, Han emphasized the importance of equipping people to collaborate across diverse backgrounds, particularly in challenging political climates. She stated, “If democracy is about how we forge a common life together, then my work focuses on how we equip people with the skills and motivations they need.”
A Glimpse into Her Research
Han is the author of five books, including her latest, “Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church” (Knopf, 2024). This work examines racial solidarity through the lens of evangelical megachurches in America.
Johns Hopkins University President Ron Daniels commented on Han’s achievement, emphasizing her role in shaping the SNF Agora Institute and her transformative research. “We are proud to call Hahrie one of our own at Hopkins,” he said.
Future Plans and Contributions
Though she has yet to determine how to utilize the fellowship, Han believes it will offer her greater freedom for scholarly pursuits. She plans to step down as director of the SNF Agora Institute after the 2025-26 academic year but will continue to teach at Johns Hopkins.
Han, who joined Johns Hopkins in 2019, has received numerous accolades. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and was recognized as the 2022 Social Innovation Thought Leader of the Year by the World Economic Forum’s Schwab Foundation.
Previous MacArthur Recipients from Johns Hopkins
Han is the first faculty member from Johns Hopkins to receive this honor since 2008. Notable previous recipients include:
- Astrophysicist Adam Riess (2008, Nobel Prize in Physics 2011)
- Critical care physician Peter Pronovost
- Public health researcher Lisa Cooper (2007)
- Human rights strategist Greg Asbed (2017)
- Behavioral economist Colin Camerer (2013)
- Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2008)
The recognition of Han underscores her significant contributions to the fields of political science and civic engagement. Her forthcoming projects may further illuminate the democratic processes at a time when they are critically needed.
