EGEN Research Prize 2026: Win Up to $3,000 for Cutting-Edge Research on Gender and Politics

<p data-start="95" data-end="351">The <strong data-start="99" data-end="127">EGEN Research Prize 2026</strong>, presented by EGEN in collaboration with <strong data-start="169" data-end="197">Johns Hopkins University</strong>, is now accepting applications from graduate students and very early career scholars conducting innovative empirical research on <strong data-start="327" data-end="350">gender and politics</strong>.</p> <p data-start="353" data-end="753">The research prize is designed to recognize and encourage emerging scholars producing high-quality, original research that advances understanding of gender and political issues. The organisers support empirical scholarship across a wide range of methodological approaches and academic subfields, with particular interest in developing research in <strong data-start="700" data-end="752">comparative politics and international relations</strong>.</p> <p data-start="755" data-end="1041">Selected researchers will receive financial awards ranging from <strong data-start="819" data-end="839">$1,000 to $3,000</strong>, while several additional applicants will receive <strong data-start="890" data-end="917">$500 honorable mentions</strong>. Winners will also receive an opportunity to be matched with a mentor from the EGEN executive board for the following year.</p> <h2 data-section-id="x9l3at" data-start="1043" data-end="1075">About the EGEN Research Prize</h2> <p data-start="1077" data-end="1231">The EGEN Research Prize is part of EGEN&#8217;s efforts to support and recognize junior scholars working on important questions surrounding gender and politics.</p> <p data-start="1233" data-end="1408">The prize focuses on <strong data-start="1254" data-end="1286">empirical gender scholarship</strong>, meaning research that uses evidence and systematic research approaches to examine political questions related to gender.</p> <p data-start="1410" data-end="1565">The organisers welcome research across different methodological approaches and subfields rather than limiting applicants to one particular research method.</p> <p data-start="1567" data-end="1637">This makes the prize potentially relevant to researchers working with:</p> <ul data-start="1639" data-end="1857"> <li data-section-id="s3gw1o" data-start="1639" data-end="1662">Quantitative research</li> <li data-section-id="z1wk6i" data-start="1663" data-end="1685">Qualitative research</li> <li data-section-id="1bl4gri" data-start="1686" data-end="1709">Mixed-method research</li> <li data-section-id="3pd56k" data-start="1710" data-end="1732">Comparative research</li> <li data-section-id="cbd3ku" data-start="1733" data-end="1767">International relations research</li> <li data-section-id="1dwz9gs" data-start="1768" data-end="1796">Political science research</li> <li data-section-id="s8o04f" data-start="1797" data-end="1857">Other empirical approaches to studying gender and politics</li> </ul> <p data-start="1859" data-end="1987">The organisers are particularly interested in encouraging emerging work in <strong data-start="1934" data-end="1986">comparative politics and international relations</strong>.</p> <h2 data-section-id="gqu0np" data-start="1989" data-end="2023">EGEN Research Prize 2026 Awards</h2> <p data-start="2025" data-end="2091">Successful applicants can receive one of several financial prizes.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1c7vrcj" data-start="2093" data-end="2117">Main Research Prizes</h3> <p data-start="2119" data-end="2181">Several selected researchers will receive awards ranging from:</p> <p data-start="2183" data-end="2203"><strong data-start="2183" data-end="2203">$1,000 to $3,000</strong></p> <p data-start="2205" data-end="2275">The exact amount awarded may vary among the selected prize recipients.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1l1tvn5" data-start="2277" data-end="2299">Honorable Mentions</h3> <p data-start="2301" data-end="2365">In addition to the main prizes, several applicants will receive:</p> <p data-start="2367" data-end="2394"><strong data-start="2367" data-end="2394">$500 honorable mentions</strong></p> <p data-start="2396" data-end="2528">These awards provide additional recognition for promising research that demonstrates quality, innovation and relevance to the field.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1y4s7xs" data-start="2530" data-end="2567">Mentorship Opportunity for Winners</h2> <p data-start="2569" data-end="2676">One of the notable benefits of the EGEN Research Prize is that winners are not only recognized financially.</p> <p data-start="2678" data-end="2781">Prize winners will also be <strong data-start="2705" data-end="2780">matched with a mentor from the EGEN executive board for the coming year</strong>.</p> <p data-start="2783" data-end="2950">This provides an opportunity for emerging scholars to receive guidance and build a professional relationship with an established member of the EGEN leadership network.</p> <p data-start="2952" data-end="3149">For graduate students and very early career researchers, mentorship can be valuable for developing research ideas, strengthening academic work and navigating the early stages of an academic career.</p> <h2 data-section-id="12ne8pj" data-start="3151" data-end="3180">Research Areas of Interest</h2> <p data-start="3182" data-end="3232">The 2026 prize focuses on <strong data-start="3208" data-end="3231">gender and politics</strong>.</p> <p data-start="3234" data-end="3448">Applicants should therefore submit research that makes a meaningful contribution to understanding the relationship between gender and political processes, institutions, behaviour, outcomes or international affairs.</p> <p data-start="3450" data-end="3529">The organisers support research across methodological approaches and subfields.</p> <p data-start="3531" data-end="3629">However, particular interest is placed on research that can help incubate emerging scholarship in:</p> <h3 data-section-id="ziz8fw" data-start="3631" data-end="3655">Comparative Politics</h3> <p data-start="3657" data-end="3776">Research may examine political processes and gender-related questions across countries, political systems or societies.</p> <h3 data-section-id="1v9uvl5" data-start="3778" data-end="3805">International Relations</h3> <p data-start="3807" data-end="4010">Research may explore gender within international political institutions, global political processes, international security, diplomacy, conflict, foreign policy or other areas of international relations.</p> <p data-start="4012" data-end="4115">Applicants should ensure that their research clearly demonstrates its relevance to gender and politics.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13a30tu" data-start="4117" data-end="4134">Who Can Apply?</h2> <p data-start="4136" data-end="4189">The EGEN Research Prize is intended specifically for:</p> <ul data-start="4191" data-end="4247"> <li data-section-id="193fux3" data-start="4191" data-end="4214"><strong data-start="4193" data-end="4214">Graduate students</strong></li> <li data-section-id="4zytai" data-start="4215" data-end="4247"><strong data-start="4217" data-end="4247">Very early career scholars</strong></li> </ul> <p data-start="4249" data-end="4400">The opportunity is therefore aimed at researchers who are still in the early stages of their academic careers rather than established senior academics.</p> <p data-start="4402" data-end="4506">Graduate students should provide their advisor&#8217;s contact information as part of the application process.</p> <p style="text-align: center;" data-start="4402" data-end="4506"><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQLSxezrULNhhdC6eCBvbupp-a-WrF3t5gD9ShmgvduGip8Q/viewform" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>APPLY HERE</strong></a></p> <h2 data-section-id="19bumtg" data-start="4508" data-end="4530">Coauthored Research</h2> <p data-start="4532" data-end="4578">Coauthored work is eligible for consideration.</p> <p data-start="4580" data-end="4621">However, there is an important condition:</p> <p data-start="4623" data-end="4679"><strong data-start="4623" data-end="4679">Every co-author must also be eligible for the prize.</strong></p> <p data-start="4681" data-end="4875">Applicants submitting coauthored research should therefore ensure that all individuals listed as co-authors meet the eligibility requirements for graduate students or very early career scholars.</p> <h2 data-section-id="11lj4u1" data-start="4877" data-end="4916">Original Research and AI Requirement</h2> <p data-start="4918" data-end="4958">The submitted work must be <strong data-start="4945" data-end="4957">original</strong>.</p> <p data-start="4960" data-end="5043">The organisers specifically state that submissions <strong data-start="5011" data-end="5042">must not be generated by AI</strong>.</p> <p data-start="5045" data-end="5224">Applicants should therefore submit their own original research and writing and ensure that their work complies with the prize&#8217;s requirements concerning originality and authorship.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1o656i3" data-start="5226" data-end="5256">What Applicants Must Submit</h2> <p data-start="5258" data-end="5342">Applicants are required to submit several materials as part of the 2026 application.</p> <h3 data-section-id="bqsxkl" data-start="5344" data-end="5367">1. Application Form</h3> <p data-start="5369" data-end="5444">Applicants must complete the official EGEN Research Prize application form.</p> <p data-start="5446" data-end="5574">The application form collects the information required for consideration and also asks applicants to identify potential mentors.</p> <h3 data-section-id="kbw7vs" data-start="5576" data-end="5599">2. Curriculum Vitae</h3> <p data-start="5601" data-end="5643">Applicants must provide their CV as a PDF.</p> <p data-start="5645" data-end="5670">The file should be named:</p> <p data-start="5672" data-end="5699"><code data-start="5672" data-end="5699">lastname_firstname_CV.pdf</code></p> <p data-start="5701" data-end="5858">Applicants should ensure that the CV clearly presents their academic background, research experience, publications and other relevant scholarly achievements.</p> <h3 data-section-id="jd4dgt" data-start="5860" data-end="5892">3. Anonymized Writing Sample</h3> <p data-start="5894" data-end="5983">Applicants must submit an <strong data-start="5920" data-end="5982">anonymized version of their most polished piece of writing</strong>.</p> <p data-start="5985" data-end="6050">The writing sample must be provided as a PDF and should be named:</p> <p data-start="6052" data-end="6091"><code data-start="6052" data-end="6091">lastname_firstname_writing sample.pdf</code></p> <p data-start="6093" data-end="6272">The sample should be anonymized, meaning identifying information should be removed where appropriate so that the research can be evaluated without unnecessary identifying details.</p> <p data-start="6274" data-end="6402">Applicants should choose a piece of work that best demonstrates the quality of their research, writing and analytical abilities.</p> <h3 data-section-id="knpi9w" data-start="6404" data-end="6438">4. Advisor Contact Information</h3> <p data-start="6440" data-end="6511">Graduate students must provide their <strong data-start="6477" data-end="6510">advisor&#8217;s contact information</strong>.</p> <p data-start="6513" data-end="6576">This information is entered directly into the application form.</p> <h2 data-section-id="y035mv" data-start="6578" data-end="6612">How the Documents Are Submitted</h2> <p data-start="6614" data-end="6700">There are two different submission processes that applicants need to pay attention to.</p> <p data-start="6702" data-end="6835">The <strong data-start="6706" data-end="6726">application form</strong> is completed online, while the CV and writing sample are uploaded separately through a Dropbox file request.</p> <p data-start="6837" data-end="6924">Applicants must therefore make sure they complete both parts of the submission process.</p> <p data-start="6926" data-end="7022">The application form asks applicants to confirm that they have uploaded both required documents.</p> <p data-start="7024" data-end="7114">Failure to complete the document-upload portion could result in an incomplete application.</p> <h2 data-section-id="ynmort" data-start="7116" data-end="7136">Potential Mentors</h2> <p data-start="7138" data-end="7274">The application form also asks applicants to identify <strong data-start="7192" data-end="7249">three potential mentors from the EGEN executive board</strong>, either past or present.</p> <p data-start="7276" data-end="7440">Applicants should therefore review the EGEN executive board and select three potential mentors whose academic interests or expertise are relevant to their research.</p> <p data-start="7442" data-end="7609">Choosing appropriate mentors can help demonstrate that the applicant has considered how mentorship could support the development of their research and academic career.</p> <h2 data-section-id="4qnxhx" data-start="7611" data-end="7634">Application Deadline</h2> <p data-start="7636" data-end="7689">The deadline for the <strong data-start="7657" data-end="7685">2026 EGEN Research Prize</strong> is:</p> <p data-start="7691" data-end="7743"><strong data-start="7691" data-end="7743">15 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).</strong></p> <p data-start="7745" data-end="7881">Applicants should submit all required materials before the deadline and should not wait until the final hours to upload their documents.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1rn4hxb" data-start="7883" data-end="7905">Submission Language</h2> <p data-start="7907" data-end="7939">All submissions must be made in:</p> <p data-start="7941" data-end="7952"><strong data-start="7941" data-end="7952">English</strong></p> <p data-start="7954" data-end="8072">Applicants should ensure that their application materials and submitted writing sample meet this language requirement.</p> <h2 data-section-id="13dq7ve" data-start="8074" data-end="8089">How to Apply</h2> <p data-start="8091" data-end="8128">Applicants should follow these steps:</p> <ol data-start="8130" data-end="8933"> <li data-section-id="lzxalp" data-start="8130" data-end="8192">Complete the official EGEN Research Prize application form.</li> <li data-section-id="kvsgf1" data-start="8193" data-end="8231">Prepare a current CV in PDF format.</li> <li data-section-id="7nmk8e" data-start="8232" data-end="8309">Name the CV according to the required format: <code data-start="8281" data-end="8308">lastname_firstname_CV.pdf</code>.</li> <li data-section-id="1utkzqo" data-start="8310" data-end="8364">Select your most polished research or writing work.</li> <li data-section-id="1ocdfuj" data-start="8365" data-end="8397">Anonymize the writing sample.</li> <li data-section-id="192lp10" data-start="8398" data-end="8434">Save the writing sample as a PDF.</li> <li data-section-id="16xffo0" data-start="8435" data-end="8520">Name it according to the required format: <code data-start="8480" data-end="8519">lastname_firstname_writing sample.pdf</code>.</li> <li data-section-id="wqqonl" data-start="8521" data-end="8617">Upload both the CV and anonymized writing sample through the designated Dropbox file request.</li> <li data-section-id="1gj6nak" data-start="8618" data-end="8692">Confirm in the application form that both documents have been uploaded.</li> <li data-section-id="1dcguv3" data-start="8693" data-end="8766">Graduate students should provide their advisor&#8217;s contact information.</li> <li data-section-id="vlhq6r" data-start="8767" data-end="8851">Identify three potential mentors from the EGEN executive board, past or present.</li> <li data-section-id="1nhhu4q" data-start="8852" data-end="8933">Submit the completed application before <strong data-start="8896" data-end="8932">15 October 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET</strong>.</li> </ol> <p>Visit <a href="https://www.egenpolisci.org/prizes.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>HERE</strong> </a>to learn more about the EGEN Research Prize 2026</p> <h2 data-section-id="sd2gwl" data-start="8935" data-end="8972">Important Application Requirements</h2> <p data-start="8974" data-end="9070">Before submitting an application, candidates should carefully review the following requirements:</p> <ul data-start="9072" data-end="9936"> <li data-section-id="1qyxl62" data-start="9072" data-end="9144">The applicant must be a graduate student or very early career scholar.</li> <li data-section-id="mrrpx3" data-start="9145" data-end="9194">The research must focus on gender and politics.</li> <li data-section-id="1xfd6py" data-start="9195" data-end="9230">Empirical research is encouraged.</li> <li data-section-id="byjhsz" data-start="9231" data-end="9296">Multiple methodological approaches and subfields are supported.</li> <li data-section-id="ezb0e6" data-start="9297" data-end="9384">Comparative politics and international relations research is particularly encouraged.</li> <li data-section-id="1gygk9c" data-start="9385" data-end="9418">Submissions must be in English.</li> <li data-section-id="gjewrp" data-start="9419" data-end="9479">The work must be original and must not be generated by AI.</li> <li data-section-id="82hnbl" data-start="9480" data-end="9549">Coauthored work is permitted only when every co-author is eligible.</li> <li data-section-id="j5qry5" data-start="9550" data-end="9611">Graduate students must provide advisor contact information.</li> <li data-section-id="1ximwiy" data-start="9612" data-end="9646">A CV must be submitted as a PDF.</li> <li data-section-id="arpip3" data-start="9647" data-end="9705">An anonymized writing sample must be submitted as a PDF.</li> <li data-section-id="ua49e6" data-start="9706" data-end="9794">The CV and writing sample must be uploaded through the specified Dropbox file request.</li> <li data-section-id="2uoll8" data-start="9795" data-end="9876">Applicants must identify three potential mentors from the EGEN executive board.</li> <li data-section-id="xbu07" data-start="9877" data-end="9936">The application must be submitted by the stated deadline.</li> </ul> <h2 data-section-id="bvorxk" data-start="9938" data-end="9981">Why Researchers Should Consider Applying</h2> <p data-start="9983" data-end="10046">The EGEN Research Prize offers more than financial recognition.</p> <p data-start="10048" data-end="10233">For emerging scholars, receiving a research prize can provide recognition for their academic work while also creating opportunities to develop professional connections within the field.</p> <p data-start="10235" data-end="10427">The combination of <strong data-start="10254" data-end="10311">financial awards, academic recognition and mentorship</strong> makes the opportunity particularly relevant to graduate students and researchers at the beginning of their careers.</p> <p data-start="10429" data-end="10617">The prize can also provide encouragement for scholars developing innovative research on gender and politics, particularly those working in comparative politics and international relations.</p> <h2 data-section-id="8dtpi" data-start="10619" data-end="10632">Conclusion</h2> <p data-start="10634" data-end="10837">The <strong data-start="10638" data-end="10666">2026 EGEN Research Prize</strong> provides an opportunity for graduate students and very early career scholars to gain recognition and financial support for innovative research on <strong data-start="10813" data-end="10836">gender and politics</strong>.</p> <p data-start="10839" data-end="11096">With several awards ranging from <strong data-start="10872" data-end="10892">$1,000 to $3,000</strong>, additional <strong data-start="10905" data-end="10932">$500 honorable mentions</strong>, and a mentorship opportunity with members of the EGEN executive board, the prize offers both financial and professional-development value to emerging researchers.</p> <p data-start="11098" data-end="11348">Applicants should ensure that their research aligns with the focus on gender and politics, carefully prepare their CV and anonymized writing sample, follow the required file-naming and submission procedures, and identify three potential EGEN mentors.</p> <p data-start="11098" data-end="11348">For more global grants, scholarships, fellowships, internships, jobs, conferences, competitions, and other career opportunities for young people, visit the Opportunities for Youth (OFY) website at <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>www.opportunitiesforyouth.org.</strong></a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/09/08/egen-research-prize-2026-win-up-to-3000-for-cutting-edge-research-on-gender-and-politics/">EGEN Research Prize 2026: Win Up to $3,000 for Cutting-Edge Research on Gender and Politics</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>