The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation announced this year's MacArthur fellowships, otherwise known as "Genius Grants". Among the artists receiving the fellowship are painter Shahzia Sikander, jazz violinist Regina Carter, multimedia artist Anna Schuleit, and sculptor Josiah McElheny. The fellowship award includes a $500,000 grant over five years, and is intended to allow these highly creative individuals to pursue their work free of obligations. According to the foundation's website, "The Fellows Program places its emphasis on individual creativity because the discoveries, actions, and ideas that shape our society often result from the path-breaking efforts of individuals. The MacArthur Fellowship is designed to support people, often unrecognized, who are expanding the boundaries of knowledge and human interaction."

Pittsburgher and Carnegie Mellon Professor Luis von Ahn was also recognized for his work concerning cryptography and artificial intelligence.