The Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy is given to a psychologist who has made a distinguished empirical and/or theoretical contribution to research in public policy, either through a single extraordinary achievement or a lifetime of work. This contribution may consist of such factors as research leading others to view specific national policies differently; research demonstrating the importance of the application of psychological methods and theory to public policy; or research clarifying the ways in which scientific knowledge of human behavior informs public policy. The 2020 recipients of the APA Awards for Distinguished Contributions to Research in Public Policy were selected by the 2019 Committee on Psychology in the Public Interest Awards. For over 40 years, Gary Wells has led the scientific study of eyewitness identifications, system problems, and solutions. In 1998, at the request of the U.S. attorney general, Wells joined a Department of Justice working group of police, prosecutors, and researchers, which produced a transformative Guide for Law Enforcement. Wells is also lead author of an APA Division 41 white paper, the first in its history. This white paper was revised and published in 2020. Over the years, Wells has worked tirelessly with policymakers, practitioners, and news media to advocate for the kinds of reforms that prevent wrongful convictions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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