Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities - Gad Rausing's prize for outstanding humanistic research quest

Gad Rausing Prize for Outstanding Humanities Research

You are to receive a one-off prize of SEK 1,500,000 (about 135,000 EUR) in recognition of your outstanding lifetime contribution to the humanities. This is the most prestigious award presented by the Royal Swedish Academy of Letters, History and Antiquities in Stockholm. Gad Rausing’s three children established the prize in 2002 in memory of their father, a Swedish industrialist and archaeologist. Since 2004, it has been awarded annually to a single researcher, rather than to groups or institutions.

Who can apply

• Field of research: Your main subject is in the field of the humanities, particularly archaeology, history or linguistics. The award also covers the history of philosophy, ideas, art, literature, music, religion and law, as well as ethnology and linguistics.
• Career stage: This is in recognition of a lifetime’s work. You have made lasting contributions over the course of your long career; this award is therefore intended for established researchers, rather than students or early-career academics.
• Where you work: You have carried out the majority of your research in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway or Sweden.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome to apply. The key requirement is that your research is firmly rooted in the Nordic academic community.

How to apply

You cannot apply yourself. The Academy issues a public call for nominations, which are then assessed by a special committee comprising Academy members and representatives from other Nordic countries. The winner will be announced at the start of the year. The award ceremony will take place on 20 March as part of the Academy’s annual meeting in Stockholm.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a single, prestigious prize awarded once a year to an experienced scholar from the entire field of Nordic humanities. Competition is fierce, and the prize is reserved for individuals who are at the very forefront of their field. Self-nomination is not permitted, as the award is granted following a nomination by the wider academic community. The prize recognises a long-standing, influential body of work rather than a compelling application.