Farr A. Curlin, MD, Josiah Trent Professor of Medical Humanities, has received a 2026 Barry Prize for Distinguished Intellectual Achievement from the American Academy of Sciences and Letters. This prestigious award recognizes the co-director of the Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative at Duke for his contributions to medicine through his research and scholarship examining the intersection of medical ethics, religious beliefs, and professional responsibility. The prize includes a $50,000 award and membership in the Academy.
Throughout his career, Curlin has explored how physicians' moral and religious commitments shape their approach to patient care, particularly in a health care environment marked by diverse beliefs and ethical challenges. His work emphasizes the importance of understanding medicine as a professional calling and the role of moral reflection in providing compassionate, effective care.
The Academy highlighted Curlin's efforts to bridge clinical practice, research and medical ethics, particularly his examination of how religious beliefs and professional values influence patient care. They remarked,
“In a career that combines medical practice, empirical research, and ethical reflection, Farr Curlin has helped the field of medicine confront increasingly urgent questions about how its work intersects with religious belief and practice in a pluralistic society. His scholarship has shown that widespread ethical problems created by the dominant service-provider model of medical care can be alleviated if medical personnel develop a personal understanding of their professional calling. The Academy honors Dr. Curlin’s distinguished contributions to humanity’s aspiration that medical care be humane and effective.”
The Barry Prize is the Academy's premier award for scholarly achievement, recognizing individuals across disciplines whose work has made outstanding contributions to human understanding. Each year, 10 scholars are selected for the honor through nominations by Academy members and appointments by its board of directors.
Curlin was among 10 recipients honored on November 4 at a ceremony at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Another Duke faculty member, Ronald K. Rittgers, PhD, professor of Reformation studies and the history of Christianity at Duke Divinity School, was also honored during the ceremony with membership in the Academy.
The American Academy of Sciences and Letters is an independent, nonpartisan organization dedicated to promoting scholarship and recognizing outstanding achievement in the arts, sciences and learned professions.