The MacArthur Foundation has announced its 2026 class of fellows, commonly known as 'genius grant' recipients. The class includes 20 people who will each receive an $800,000 stipend with no conditions attached, according to multiple outlets.
The fellows were recognized for work across the arts, humanities and sciences, according to The New York Times. NPR reported that this year's class includes researchers recognized for work at the intersection of science and justice.
Named recipients include saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and climate scientist Marika Holland, according to The Washington Post.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Associated Press published the full list of the 2026 class of fellows.
- NPR highlighted researchers recognized for fusing science and justice.
- The New York Times noted the $800,000 stipend covers recipients across arts, humanities and sciences.
- The Washington Post highlighted specific fellows including saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and climate scientist Marika Holland.
“Saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and climate scientist Marika Holland are among the new fellows who will each receive $800,000.” — The Washington Post
Center
- Forbes reported the naming of 20 recipients for the 2026 grants.
- NewsNation published the full class list of fellows.
“The MacArthur Foundation Names 20 Recipients Of Its 2026 'Genius Grants'” — Forbes
Questions readers ask
What is the MacArthur Foundation 'genius grant'?
It is an $800,000, no-strings-attached fellowship stipend awarded annually by the MacArthur Foundation to recipients across the arts, humanities and sciences.
How many fellows were named in the 2026 class?
The MacArthur Foundation named 20 fellows in its 2026 class, according to the Associated Press, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, Forbes and NewsNation.
Who are some of the 2026 MacArthur Fellows?
Named recipients include saxophonist Immanuel Wilkins and climate scientist Marika Holland, according to The Washington Post.
What themes stood out in this year's class of fellows?
NPR reported that this year's fellows include researchers recognized for work fusing science and justice.
Sources · 6 outlet reports
- Associated PressLeft-leaningThis year's MacArthur 'geniuses' include a musician, painter and economist all confronting history
- NPRLeft-leaningMeet the 20 scholars and artists who've just won MacArthur Fellowships
- The New York TimesLeft-leaningMacArthur Foundation Announces 2026 ‘Genius Grant’ Winners
- The Washington PostLeft-leaningMacArthur Foundation names 20 recipients for the ‘genius grants’
- ForbesCenterThe MacArthur Foundation Names 20 Recipients Of Its 2026 ‘Genius Grants’
- NewsNationCenterThe MacArthur Foundation’s ‘genius’ fellows: The full 2026 class list