2026 Best Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholars Paper Award in Druze Studies
The Druze Studies Journal (DSJ) and the Druze Studies Project at the University of Kansas are pleased to announce the 2026 Best Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholars Paper Award in Druze Studies.
This award aims to recognize and support outstanding original research that makes a significant scholarly contribution to the interdisciplinary field of Druze Studies. Submissions may address historical, religious, social, political, cultural, linguistic, or comparative perspectives on Druze communities in the Levant and/or the diaspora.
Award
The prize will be awarded to the author(s) of the best paper, as determined by a scholarly review committee. Additional forms of recognition may include:
- An official certificate from the Druze Studies Journal,
- Public announcement on the DSJ and Druze Studies Project platforms,
- Invitation to present the paper at an online event sponsored by the University of Kansas and the Druze Studies Journal,
- Possible consideration for publication in the Druze Studies Journal (subject to peer review).
Eligibility
Eligibility is open to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, according to the following criteria:
- Candidates must be currently enrolled in a master’s or PhD program or have completed one of these degrees before the submission deadline.
- For candidates who have earned a PhD, the degree must have been awarded within the last five years (no earlier than August 2021 for this 2026 competition).
- The submitted paper must be unpublished and not under review elsewhere at the time of submission.
- Papers that were presented at the 2025 Druze Studies conference, and considered for the 2025 award, cannot be submitted again.
Single-authored and co-authored papers are eligible, provided all authors meet the eligibility requirements.
Submission Guidelines
- Papers should present original research and demonstrate analytical rigor and engagement with relevant scholarship.
- Submissions should follow academic standards appropriate to the author’s discipline.
- Papers may be submitted in English or Arabic.
- Length: Papers are expected to be of similar length to a journal article, typically between 6,000 and 10,000 words, inclusive of notes and references. Slight deviations may be considered at the committee’s discretion.
Important Dates
Submission deadline: July 30, 2026.
Notification of results: No later than November 30, 2026.
How to Submit
Submissions should be sent electronically to druzestudies@ku.edu. Please include:
- The paper: including a title, an abstract, 3-7 keywords, and the main text with references.
- A short cover letter expressing your interest in being considered for the award, indicating the major contribution of your paper. The letter should include: author name(s), institutional affiliation (if relevant), degree status, name(s) of faculty advisor(s) for master’s or PhD candidates (when applicable), and year of degree completion (past or expected). If co-authored, please include details of all authors.
- Letters of recommendation are not required. However, for master’s and PhD candidates, one letter per candidate will be considered if sent directly by the faculty advisor to druzestudies@ku.edu.
Criteria for evaluation
The awards committee will consider various criteria to select the winner(s), including the following:
- Originality: The work should introduce innovative ideas, approaches, or findings that significantly advance Druze Studies.
- Methodology: Research must be rigorously conducted, with clear, logical, and consistent argumentation.
- Significance and Impact: The findings should have the potential to influence future research trajectories and contribute meaningfully to the scholar’s body of work.
- Clarity: The paper must be well-written, organized, and accessible, facilitating understanding and engagement.
Contact
For questions regarding eligibility, submissions, or the award, please send an email to:
