Mercer Times

Cognitive psychologist Elke Weber has been awarded a Frontiers of Knowledge Award in humanities and social sciences from the BBVA Foundation. The foundation recognized Weber "for her research on environmental decision-making and the factors that motivate action against climate change."

Weber, the Gerhard R. Andlinger Professor of Energy and the Environment and professor of psychology and public affairs at Princeton University, was commended for her influential role as a policy adviser and her ability to draw on insights from various disciplines to enact beneficial actions globally. She explores how individuals interpret risk and make decisions under uncertainty, particularly in the realm of climate and environmental policy.

In her citation for the award, Weber emphasized the complexities of addressing climate change, stating, "Climate change is, in some sense, a perfect storm." She highlighted the challenges people face in making decisions related to climate action, noting that factors like immediate costs and delayed benefits can hinder proactive behavior.

Weber's research findings have contributed to the development of guidelines for effectively communicating climate change risks, shaping policy to account for diverse risk perceptions, and motivating individuals to adopt environmentally friendly behaviors. She has been instrumental in bridging psychology with climate science, becoming the first expert from her field to serve on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and contributing as a lead author to the IPCC's Assessment Reports.

As a BBVA laureate, Weber will receive 400,000 euros, a diploma, and a commemorative work of art. The BBVA Foundation, based in Spain, focuses on promoting and acknowledging scientific research and cultural creation through initiatives like the Frontiers of Knowledge Awards, which aim to recognize groundbreaking work that enhances knowledge within disciplines and fosters interdisciplinary connections.

Weber, who joined Princeton University in 2016, heads the Behavioral Science for Policy Lab and serves as the associate director for education at the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment. Her academic background includes a Ph.D. and M.A. in cognitive psychology from Harvard University and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from York University in Toronto, Canada.

Weber now stands among a prestigious group of Princeton faculty and researchers who have received the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award, further solidifying the university's reputation for excellence in research and scholarship.