Gardner wins accolade for research

Howard Gardner has been bestowed with the 2011 Prince of Asturias Award for Social Sciences, an award that honors individuals whose research has significantly contributed to the progress of their field and to humankind. Gardner is the John H. and Elisabeth A. Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Gardner’s field of research has focused on the analysis of the cognitive abilities of human beings, a field in which he has developed his theory of multiple intelligences, which has led to significant changes in the education system.

“I am thrilled and humbled to receive this prestigious award,” said Gardner. “While my training is primarily in psychology, I have always considered myself a social scientist, and I feel that much of the best work about human nature and human society draws on a range of social scientific disciplines.”

Gardner will receive the award at a ceremony in October.