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The Kabiller Science of Empathy Prize

Awarded biennially to a Kellogg faculty member and an alum, whose work advances our understanding of empathy and its impact in business.

Leading with empathy in business, science and beyond

Empathy is an emerging buzzword in business and academia, but Kellogg has practiced it for decades. Our approach to empathy is based on science, rigorous research and critical thinking. We focus on empathy as a way to understand the many intangible elements that make a process, initiative or organization more effective. 

The Kabiller Science of Empathy Prize, made possible by David Kabiller ’85, ’87 MBA, celebrates faculty and alumni contributions that advance the understanding of empathy and its consequences. The prize also recognizes thought leaders who have conducted novel research about human empathy, understanding and trust. 

Kellogg has always been the leading school that has embraced empathy as core to its culture and curriculum. I hope this award, the research and the conference, will further our collective understanding of the role empathy has in sustaining an innovative society with a heart.
David Kabiller ’85, ’87 MBA
Founder and head of business development at AQR Capital Management

How winners are selected

The Kabiller Prize is awarded biennially to a Kellogg alum and a faculty member. Alumni are selected through nominations from the community. A small committee from the school then selects a recipient. The faculty winner is likewise nominated and selected by a committee of their peers.

How winners are recognized

Prize winners are honored at a dinner featuring the dean and David Kabiller. Recipients are also celebrated in Kellogg communications.

Faculty recipients receive a grant to support research on empathy. They also have the opportunity to shape a biennial conference on the science of empathy, which attracts world-class academics from other top universities. The alumni prize is non-monetary. 

Why empathy, and why now?

Empathy is crucial in today's business world for client relationships and nurturing talent at all levels. David Kabiller discusses Kellogg's focus on empathy and the crucial role it plays in maintaining an innovative society with a heart.

Kabiller Prize winners

Faculty: Paola Sapienza
Professor Paola Sapienza's work examines the origins and implications of trust across cultures and markets. Her research provides a distinct perspective on empathy and how our understanding of it can shape the way we live and work. She holds the Donald C. Clark/HSBC Chair in Consumer Finance and is a professor of finance.
Alum: Anant Goenka ’07 MBA
As vice chairman of conglomerate RPG Group and CEAT, one of India’s leading tire manufacturers, Anant demonstrates the qualities of a Kellogg leader, leading with empathy while driving innovation and excellence. He has been instrumental in CEAT’s work toward halving its carbon footprint by 2030 and blazing a trail to address gender imbalance in the workforce.

About David Kabiller

David G. Kabiller ’85, ’87 MBA is the co-founder and the head of business development at AQR Capital Management and a member of Northwestern University’s Board of Trustees. His previous philanthropic support of Northwestern has included the Kabiller Prize in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine and the Kabiller Young Investigator Award in Nanoscience and Nanomedicine, among other investments.

Read more about him

WATCH

A conversation about empathy

As part of the video series, Conversations with Distinguished Alumni, Dean Francesca Cornelli and David Kabiller dive into the Kabiller prize, why it was created and why empathy is more important than ever.

View now

Thought leadership on empathy

Ego depletion can lead to unethical behavior at work.
Why Bosses Cut Some Employees Slack for Unethical Behavior
The same transgression can lead to different consequences. Here’s one reason why. 
A leader uses social-emotional intelligence to stay calm in the midst of conflict
Why Leaders Should Nurture Their “Social–Emotional Intelligence”
These four skills can diffuse conflict, particularly within family businesses. 
Social standing affects the level of empathy in an office.
How Much Empathy Do You Feel When Powerful People Suffer?
What about less powerful people? Your answers likely depend on how egalitarian you are. 
I (Don't) Feel Your Pain
Having been there does not always increase empathy. 
Emotional Intelligence Is Key to Strong Leadership. Here’s How to Sharpen Yours.
A professor and executive coach offers tips for developing different components of EQ. 
Could Bringing Your "Whole Self" to Work Curb Unethical Behavior?
Organizations would be wise to help employees avoid compartmentalizing their personal and professional identities. 
Are You Giving All of Your Employees an Equal Chance to Succeed?
Make sure your organization is truly inclusive by following these three steps. 
Downplaying Social Pain
Snubs and rejections hurt worse than others think they do 

Contact the Kellogg Alumni Relations team