International Sociological Association (ISA) RC09 Best Post-Graduate Student Paper Award 2027: EUR 1,000 Prize and Opportunity to Present Research in South Korea ·Graduate Student Paper Award 2027: EUR 1,000 Prize and Opportunity to Present Research in South Korea

The International Sociological Association (ISA) Research Committee 09 – Social Transformations and Sociology of Development (RC09) has opened applications for the 2027 Best Post-Graduate Student Paper Award, inviting PhD students from around the world to submit outstanding sociological research papers focused on social transformations and development.

The prestigious award recognises innovative doctoral research that contributes to deeper understanding of social change, development processes, and global sociological challenges.

The selected winner(s) will have the opportunity to present their research at the XXI ISA World Congress of Sociology, taking place in Gwangju, South Korea, from 4–10 July 2027.

In addition to international recognition, successful applicants will receive a monetary prize of up to EUR 1,000 and their achievements will be highlighted in the RC09 Newsletter.

About the ISA Research Committee 09

The International Sociological Association Research Committee on Social Transformations and Sociology of Development (ISA RC09) brings together sociologists and researchers interested in studying social transformations and development across different regions of the world.

The committee supports research exchange and academic collaboration among scholars exploring social change, development challenges, and evolving social structures.

RC09 welcomes diverse theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches, and research traditions, creating a global platform for advancing sociological knowledge.

About the Best Post-Graduate Student Paper Award 2027

The ISA RC09 Best Post-Graduate Student Paper Award recognises exceptional research produced by PhD students working in sociology and related disciplines.

The competition aims to highlight emerging scholars whose research demonstrates:

• Original ideas
• Strong social relevance
• Conceptual depth
• Analytical excellence
• Clear academic writing

Winning papers will be presented during an RC09 session at the XXI ISA Congress of Sociology in Gwangju, South Korea.

The award provides doctoral researchers with international visibility and an opportunity to share their work with leading sociologists from around the world.

Award Benefits

Selected researchers will receive:

Single-Authored Paper Award

• Certificate with citation
• Monetary prize of EUR 500

Co-Authored Paper Award

• Certificate with citation
• Monetary prize of EUR 1,000

The prize money may be used to support expenses related to attending the ISA World Congress of Sociology.

Winners will also have their names published in the ISA RC09 Newsletter, increasing recognition within the global sociology research community.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to researchers who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD degree programme at a recognised degree-granting institution when submitting their paper.
• Academic staff or junior faculty members who are currently completing a PhD are also eligible.
• Papers must have been written while the author(s) were enrolled in a PhD programme or equivalent.

Applicants may submit:

• Unpublished research papers
• Papers already published
• Papers accepted for publication

However, papers co-authored with a faculty supervisor or another person holding a PhD or equivalent qualification are not eligible.

Research Areas and Topics

The award welcomes sociological research related to:

• Social transformations
• Sociology of development
• Global inequalities
• Social change
• Political and economic transformations
• Community development
• Social institutions
• Development processes
• Emerging social challenges

Researchers from different regions and methodological backgrounds are encouraged to submit work that contributes meaningful insights into contemporary social transformations.

Paper Requirements

Submitted papers must meet the following requirements:

• Maximum length: 8,000 words, including bibliography
• Abstract length: Maximum 500 words
• Papers must follow academic writing and referencing standards
• Papers submitted in languages other than English must include an English translation

The front page of the paper should include:

• Paper title
• Abstract
• Up to five keywords

The author’s name and institutional affiliation should not appear on the front page to maintain an anonymous evaluation process.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• An anonymised research paper
• An anonymised English translation, if applicable
• Brief curriculum vitae
• Cover letter containing:
  • Author name(s)
  • Contact information
  • Institutional affiliation
  • Paper title
• Proof of current PhD enrolment
• Signed declaration confirming eligibility requirements and agreement to present at the ISA Congress if selected

Administrative documents will only be used to verify eligibility and will not be shared with the award jury.

Selection Criteria

Submitted papers will be evaluated by an international jury of distinguished scholars.

The main evaluation criteria include:

• Originality of ideas
• Social relevance
• Conceptual strength
• Analytical insight
• Academic clarity and writing quality

The jury may also:

• Divide the award between multiple winners
• Provide special recognition for the best paper from the Economic South (ISA Category B/C countries)
• Recognise outstanding runners-up
• Decide not to award the prize if submissions do not meet required standards

Important Dates

Application Deadline:
15 September 2026

Winner Notification:
30 September 2026

ISA World Congress of Sociology:
4–10 July 2027
Gwangju, South Korea

How to Submit

Applications must be submitted by email to:

isa-rc09@isa-sociology.org

Copies should also be sent to:

dorina.rosca@ase.md
rukmini@aud.ac.in

Email subject line:

Graduate Student Award 2027

Applicants should attach the research paper and all required supporting documents.

Why PhD Students Should Apply

The ISA RC09 Best Post-Graduate Student Paper Award provides doctoral researchers with a valuable platform to showcase their scholarship internationally.

Beyond the financial prize, the award offers academic recognition, networking opportunities, and the chance to present research at one of the world’s leading sociology conferences.

For emerging scholars studying social transformations and development, this competition represents an important opportunity to strengthen academic visibility and connect with a global research community.

PhD students conducting innovative sociological research are encouraged to prepare their submissions and apply before the 15 September 2026 deadline.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.