MPSA sponsors many awards for outstanding research presented at the annual conference and one award for the best article published in each volume of the American Journal of Political Science (AJPS). With the exception of Flagship Awards, nominations are made by conference section heads, chairs, and discussants after the conference. Chairs and discussants may only submit nominations for the session in which they served as chair or discussant. Section heads may only submit nominations for their section. All nominations must be made by individuals with conference section or panel responsibilities; self-nominations are not accepted.

The MPSA will begin collecting award nominations for research presented at the MPSA Annual Conference in April. Award committees will then select the winning papers after the nominations deadline of July 1, 2023 and winners will be notified in the fall. Awards will be presented at the MPSA Annual Business Meeting and Awards Ceremony the following year. If you hold section or panel responsibilities at the 80th Annual MPSA Conference (April 13-16, 2023), please check back later to nominate deserving research for an award below.

Flagship Awards:

  • MPSA Best Paper Award.  A $250 award for the best paper presented at the annual MPSA conference. The nomination pool consists of papers selected for the field awards; other nominations are not accepted.
  • AJPS Best Article Award.  A $1,000 award for the best article appearing in the volume of the American Journal of Political Science published in the year preceding the conference. All published articles in this timeframe will be considered. Nominations are not accepted.

Field Awards:

  • Best Paper in International Relations. A $250 award for the best paper on the topic of international relations.
  • Best Paper in Political Behavior. A $250 award for the best paper on the topic of political behavior.
  • Best Paper in American Politics. A $250 award for the best paper on the topic of American politics.
  • Evan Ringquist Award. A $250 award for the best paper on the topic of political institutions.
  • Kellogg/Notre Dame Award. A $250 award for the best paper in comparative politics.
  • Kenneth J. Meier Award. A $250 award for the best paper in bureaucratic politics, public administration, or public policy.
  • Review of Politics Award. A $250 award for the best paper in normative political theory.
  • Robert H. Durr Award. A $250 award for the best paper applying quantitative methods to a substantive problem.

Subfield Awards:

  • Lucius Barker Award. A $250 award for the best paper on a topic investigating race or ethnicity and politics and honoring the spirit and work of Professor Barker.
  • Patrick J. Fett Award. A $250 award for the best paper on the scientific study of Congress and the presidency.
  • Sophonisba Breckinridge Award. A $250 award for the best paper on the topic of women and politics.
  • Richard E. Matland Award. A $250 award for the best paper by an emerging scholar in representation, elections, or voting. Author (or lead author) is an untenured faculty member or graduate student.

Career Stage Awards:

  • Best Paper by an Emerging Scholar. A $250 award for the best paper, regardless of field or topic, by a scholar or scholars who has or have received the terminal degree(s) within six years of the year in which the paper was presented.
  • Pi Sigma Alpha Best Paper by a Graduate Student Award. Sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha, also known as the National Political Science Honor Society, this is a $250 award for best paper delivered by a graduate student.
  • Pi Sigma Alpha Best Undergraduate Paper Presented in a Poster Format. Sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha, also known as the National Political Science Honor Society, this is a $250 award for the best paper presented in a poster format by an undergraduate student.
  • Herbert Simon Award. A $500 award for a mid-career scholar who has made a significant contribution to the scientific study of bureaucracy. Submissions are handled by the Midwest Caucus on Policy Administration.

Award Archives from Previous Years

View the 2023 award winners, the award recipient archive, and past awards committees.

Application to Name or Create an MPSA Award

Propose a new award by submitting the form here.

Make a Donation to an MPSA Award or Scholarship

Gifts to the association help to support awards for best research presented at the annual conference and in the American Journal of Political Science. Gifts from generous donors also support conference attendees through the Conference Registration Fee Waiver Scholarships, Harrell Rodgers Graduate Student Travel Scholarships, and MPSA Childcare Scholarships.

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Donate Online: You may donate to the Scholarship of your choice. Your support of the discipline and political science scholars makes a difference!

Prefer to donate with a check? Please complete the MPSA Donation Form and mail it to the MPSA office.