Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Meet the 24 MacArthur 'geniuses' who were each awarded $625,000 to change the world

Melissa Stanger,Jessica OrwigSep 29, 2015, 20:56 IST

John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

The MacArthur Foundation grant is one of the most prestigious, and most lucrative, awards in the country.

Started in 1981 by philanthropists John and Catherine MacArthur, the Fellows Program awards an unrestricted $625,000 fellowship to individuals devoted to creative, humanitarian, and intellectual pursuits. These are people researching new treatments to illnesses, exploring controversial issues like racism and climate change, and defending marginalized populations through art, science, and more.

In short, they're an incredible group of innovators and creatives out to change the world.

Scroll down to meet this year's 24 MacArthur fellows.