Dacher Keltner, a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, has received the William James Fellow Award from the Association for Psychological Science (APS). The award recognizes his lifetime achievements in psychological research.

Keltner is known for compiling data across more than 26 cultures to study compassion, awe, love, and embarrassment. The APS highlighted his work on social class and inequality as well as research showing how social power influences cognitive processes such as empathy and prejudice.

At UC Berkeley, Keltner co-founded the Greater Good Science Center and hosts the Science of Happiness podcast. He has also served as a scientific advisor for Pixar films including Inside Out, Soul, and Inside Out 2.

“The breadth, depth and impact of Dacher Keltner’s work is nothing short of remarkable,” said the APS in its announcement. “… Keltner’s prolific work has profoundly changed the way social psychologists think about power, social class and human emotions.”

Keltner joined UC Berkeley in 1995. He attributed his academic success to the university's culture: “The atmosphere of Berkeley liberated me,” he said.

The William James Fellow Award is presented annually to three scientists worldwide who have made significant contributions to basic psychological science. Keltner expressed particular appreciation for receiving an award named after William James, whose work influenced his own thinking about awe—a concept that became central to Keltner’s research and was explored in his bestselling book Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.

“I’ve always loved science,” said Keltner. “I’m obsessive about it.”

Last year, APS also honored Keltner with its Mentor Award for fostering the careers of students and colleagues in psychology.