John H Falk

Based in Corvallis, OR, John H. Falk is a Principal at JohnHFalk, LLC. He was the Founder and for many years the CEO of the Institute for Learning Innovation and is Emeritus Sea Grant Professor of Free-Choice Learning at Oregon State University. He is a leading expert on well-being and free-choice learning; the learning that occurs when people have significant choice and control over what, where and when they learn. Dr. Falk’s current research focuses on how cultural institutions such as museums, libraries, zoos and aquariums and science centers create value by supporting the public’s well-being and learning, and in so doing, foster curiosity, inspire personal growth, and enhance an individual’s physical and mental health. His work is helping cultural institutions re-think their value and positioning in the 21st century. He is ranked as one of the leading social scientists in the world and his awards include the Leadership Award for Significant and Lasting Impact, Western Museums Association (2022); Distinguished Career Award (2016) from NARST: A worldwide organization for improving science teaching and learning through research; University Outreach and Engagement Vice Provost Award for Excellence, Oregon State University (2016); Council of Scientific Society Presidents Award for Educational Research (2013) and American Alliance of Museums John Cotton Dana Award for Leadership (2010). His favorite free-choice learning activities include tending to his Japanese garden, painting, design, swimming, and hiking.