Congratulations to Dr. Janet Werker, University Killam Professor and Canada Research Chair in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, on being selected for the 2024 Benjamin Franklin Institute Medal in Computer and Cognitive Science! This highly esteemed award, presented by The Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, is a testament to Dr. Werker’s lifelong dedication and the far-reaching influence of her research in the field of language acquisition.

Dr. Werker also serves as the Project Director for the Ensuring Full Literacy in a Multicultural and Digital World SSHRC partnership grant, leading a team of Canadian and international scholars and industry, community, and outreach partners in bridging the many dimensions of literacy acquisition. 

In an article by the UBC Faculty of Arts team, Dr. Werker shares her excitement for the achievement, sources of inspiration, and offers advice for aspiring researchers. You can read the full article here.

View Dr. Werker’s UBC faculty profile and research here.

The Franklin Institute Awards
Since 1824, the Institute has honoured the legacy of Benjamin Franklin by presenting awards to pioneering scientists, engineers, and inventors across the globe.

Read the 2024 announcement here.