Social Issues Dissertation Award

The Social Issues Dissertation Award recognizes doctoral dissertations in psychology (or in a social science with psychological subject matter) that best demonstrate scientific excellence and potential application to social problems. A first prize of $750 and a second prize of $500 will be award.

Any doctoral dissertation in psychology (or in a social science with psychological subject matter) accepted between March 1 of the previous year and up to the deadline of the current year is eligible. Applicants must have successfully defended their dissertation prior to the current year's award deadline. Please note that in the award year an individual or group may only submit one paper to one SPSSI award (from amongst the Allport, Klineberg and Dissertation Awards) and applicants may not submit to the Dissertation Prize twice.

Annual deadline: May 1

Online submissions are the preferred method.  Please limit the number and size of files uploaded when applying online. Apply online nowopens in new window.

The application should include a 500-word summary of the dissertation. The summary should include title, rationale, methods and results of dissertation, as well as its implications for social problems. Please also include a cover sheet that states the title of your dissertation, your name, postal and e-mail addresses, phone number and university granting the degree. 

All applicants will be notified of their status by July 1. Finalists will be asked to provide:

• certification by the dissertation advisor of the acceptance date of the dissertation
• a full electronic copy of the dissertation. 

The final decision will be announced by September 1.