From brain function to child health: Two new honorary doctors at the Faculty of Social Sciences
Professor Marlene Behrmann of the University of Pittsburgh and Professor Janet Currie of Yale University have been appointed honorary doctors of the Faculty of Social Sciences. They are being recognised for research contributions that have significantly advanced the fields of cognitive neuropsychology and the economics of child health and development, respectively.
The two honorary doctors will be celebrated at the University of Copenhagen’s annual commemoration on 13 November, when the University honours researchers and partners who have made outstanding contributions to research and society.
Marlene Behrmann: Advancing our understanding of the brain and cognitive function
Professor Marlene Behrmann of the University of Pittsburgh is an internationally recognised authority in cognitive neuropsychology and neuroscience. Over several decades, she has made groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of how the brain supports visual perception, attention, reading and face recognition.
Her research ranges from studies of individuals with brain injuries to the development of influential theoretical models that have helped shape contemporary research on cognition and the organisation of the brain.
Behrmann has also maintained close ties with researchers at the University of Copenhagen, contributing to research projects and international research environments associated with the Department of Psychology.
Janet Currie: A pioneer in research on child health and well-being
Professor Janet Currie of Yale University is among the world's most influential researchers in health economics and child development. Her work has generated important new knowledge about how social conditions, family circumstances and conditions in early life shape health, educational outcomes and well-being throughout the life course.
Through her research, Currie has contributed significantly to our understanding of social inequalities in health, the impact of environmental factors on children, and mental health among children and young people.
Over many years, she has collaborated closely with researchers at the Department of Economics and has visited the University of Copenhagen as a visiting scholar and guest speaker.
Honoured at the annual commemoration
An honorary doctorate is among the University of Copenhagen's highest academic honours. Through these appointments, the Faculty of Social Sciences recognises the outstanding contributions that Marlene Behrmann and Janet Currie have made to research in cognition and neuropsychology, and in health economics and child development, respectively.