The RC09 Student Paper Award 2027 is a prestigious competition for PhD students conducting sociological research on social transformations. This award provides a monetary prize of EUR 500 (single-authored) or EUR 1,000 (co-authored) and an opportunity to present at the XXI ISA Congress of Sociology in Gwangju, South Korea, in July 2027.
The International Sociological Association Research Committee on Social Transformations and Sociology of Development (ISA RC09) represents sociologists worldwide studying development and social change. RC09 aims to foster academic excellence through its annual student paper competition, encouraging research on diverse theoretical and methodological approaches.
RC09 Student Paper Award Benefits
- A monetary prize of EUR 500 (single-authored) or EUR 1,000 (co-authored)
- Certificate with a citation
- Opportunity to present the paper at the XXI ISA Congress of Sociology in Gwangju, South Korea (4-10 July 2027)
- Name published in the RC09 Newsletter
- Prize may be used toward Congress attendance expenses
RC09 Student Paper Award Eligibility Criteria
- 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- Unpublished research papers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
Research Areas and Topics
- Social transformations
- Sociology of development
- Global inequalities
- Social change
- Political and economic transformations
- Community development
- Social institutions
- Development processes
- Emerging social challenges
Paper 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
Required Application 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
How to Apply for RC09 Student Paper Award?
- Prepare your paper following the formatting guidelines: typed with 2-line spacing, Times New Roman 12pt, numbered pages, A4 or US Letter, 3 cm margins, notes and bibliography at the end, saved as PDF (*.pdf) or Word (*.doc/*.docx).
- Anonymize the paper: the front page should contain only the title, an abstract (max 500 words), and up to five keywords, without author names or affiliations.
- Gather the required administrative documents: a CV, a cover letter with contact details and paper title, proof of current PhD enrolment, and a signed declaration confirming eligibility and agreement to present if selected.
- Email the anonymized paper, the English translation (if applicable), and all administrative documents to [email protected], with CC to [email protected] and [email protected].
- Use the subject line: ‘Graduate Student Award 2027’.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the RC09 Student Paper Award 2027. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and the application process.
What is the RC09 Student Paper Award?
The RC09 Best Post-graduate Student Paper Award is a competition organized by the ISA Research Committee on Social Transformations and Sociology of Development. It recognizes outstanding sociological research by PhD students on social transformations, offering a monetary prize, presentation opportunity at the ISA World Congress, and publication in the RC09 newsletter.
Who is eligible to apply for the award?
Applicants must be enrolled in a PhD degree programme at a degree-granting institution at the time of submission. Both unpublished and published papers are eligible if written during PhD enrollment. Papers co-authored with faculty advisors or PhD holders are not eligible. Papers in other languages require an English translation.
What is the monetary prize?
The prize is EUR 500 for a single-authored paper and EUR 1,000 for a paper with two or more authors. The money may be used toward expenses for attending the ISA Congress in Gwangju, South Korea, in July 2027.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline for submissions is 15 September 2026. All required documents must be emailed by this date.
How do I submit my paper?
Submit by email to [email protected] with CC to [email protected] and [email protected]. The subject line must be ‘Graduate Student Award 2027’. Attach the anonymized paper (PDF or Word), CV, cover letter, proof of PhD enrollment, and signed declaration.
What are the formatting requirements for the paper?
The paper must be max 8,000 words including bibliography, with a 500-word abstract. Use 2-line spacing, Times New Roman 12pt, numbered pages, A4/US Letter, 3 cm margins. Bibliography at the end. The front page should have title, abstract, and keywords, but no author names or affiliations.
Can I submit a co-authored paper?
Yes, papers with multiple PhD student authors are eligible, but co-authorship with a faculty advisor or another person holding a PhD is not allowed.
When will the winners be notified?
Winners will be notified by email by September 30, 2026. The jury evaluates based on originality, social relevance, conceptual rigor, analytical perceptiveness, and clarity of style.
Do I need to be an ISA member to apply?
Yes, winners must be members of both the International Sociological Association (ISA) and RC09 at the time of receiving the award in July 2027. Membership is not required at submission but must be obtained by the award date.
What is the selection process?
Papers are evaluated by an international jury of distinguished scholars. The jury can split the award, give special recognition for best paper from the Economic South (ISA Category B/C countries), make honorary mentions, or withhold the award.
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