Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz were honored for their groundbreaking research on dyslexia with the Liberty Science Center’s 2019 Genius Award.

The award was presented to the Shaywitzes on May 13 at the center’s annual fundraising gala.

Dr. Sally Shaywitz is the Audrey G. Ratner Professor in Learning Development, and Dr. Bennett Shaywitz is the Charles and Helen Schwab Professor in Dyslexia and Learning Development. The husband-and-wife team are co-founders and co-directors of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity. During their 35 years of research on dyslexia, they debunked the myth that people with the condition were less intelligent. Working together, the Shaywitzes discovered dyslexia’s neurological basis, pioneered effective therapies, and changed public attitudes about the most common learning disorder in the United States.

Also honored with Genius Awards at the gala were Chris Messina, inventor of the hashtag, and Martine Rothblatt, biotech and satellite radio pioneer. Of this year’s award recipients, Liberty Science Center president and CEO Paul Hoffman said, “Each personifies what it means to be a genius and a catalyst for change; each is using his or her exceptional intellectual and creative abilities to disrupt and innovate both in their respective fields and for the betterment of humanity, and each recognizes the importance of ensuring the next generation of science and technology superstars have access to the tools they need to succeed.”

Located in New Jersey, the Liberty Science Center is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers and “bringing the power, promise, and pure fun of science and technology to learners of all ages.”