MPSA awards and scholarships should be named after highly distinguished scholars who have made significant contributions to the discipline. It is also in the interest of the MPSA, and the profession, to consider the diversity of profiles represented in the MPSA's set of awards and scholarships. Those considered for a naming honor should have sound reputations with respect to their character and research.
Several current awards are not yet named, and new awards may be created. Awards may be created or
renamed for the Field, Subfield, and Career Stage categories with preference given to emeritus, retired (or not active), or
non-living scholars with the understanding that under exceptional
circumstances, and upon review by the Committee on Awards, these awards may be
named after non-emeritus, non-retired (and/or active) living scholars to
promote diversity in the awards*. New Flagship Awards could potentially also be
created, with the same criteria. View current MPSA awards here.
* If a Field, Subfield, or Career Stage Award is to be named or renamed for a living, non-emeritus individual, preliminary approval should be sought from the Committee on New Awards prior to soliciting pledges to ensure the award meets the criteria for final approval.
Graduate
Student Travel Scholarships may be created and should be named for scholars
with sound reputation and character. View current Graduate Student Travel Scholarships here.
The funding level recipients
receive for Field and Subfield (“Best Paper”) Awards is $250 and for Conference
Travel Scholarships is $500. Career Stage Awards vary in funding levels.
One award or travel scholarship will be granted each year, unless otherwise indicated on the form below. Please note this will impact the funding commitment levels of donations required to establish the award.
The five-person Committee on Awards reviews nominations to create new awards and scholarships or rename established awards. The committee will forward their recommendation to the MPSA Council that takes note of all relevant factors. The Council will vote on the committee recommendation at the next upcoming MPSA Council Meeting (either in the spring or fall).