The 2007 MacArthur Foundation Fellows [#] were announced this morning. Impressively, two Seattleites were among the recipients [p-i]. Along with high praise, much esteem, and not a small bit of jealous sniping, the winners receive a check for $500,000 to use however they please. Here are the lucky winners from Seattle (descriptions lifted from MacArthur Fellows website):

Yoky Matsuoka: A University of Washington Neuroroboticist devising complex prosthetic devices and rehabilitation strategies that hold life-changing potential for those suffering from brain injuries and manipulation disabilities.

Mark Roth: A Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Biomedical Scientist experimenting with new procedures for temporary reduction in metabolism that may one day extend the time available to surgeons to perform critical, live-saving procedures.

A hearty congratulations to the winners. I’m the wrong guy to comment about cancer research or neurorobotics so I’m afraid don’t have too much else to say. However, rest assured that if the MacArthur Foundation decides to award a grant to a local drunk, I’ll be all over it. For that, I’m an expert.

A full list of past winners can be found here.