Institut d'Estudis de l'Autogovern - Premis Institut d'Estudis de l'Autogovern

What you get

You win a cash prize for outstanding academic work on how political power is shared across territories, with a focus on Catalonia and its self-government. The amount depends on the category. The two article prizes (one in public law, one in political science) are worth 4,000 EUR each and are awarded every year. In odd-numbered years two more prizes open: 8,000 EUR for the best published book and 5,000 EUR for the best unpublished doctoral thesis, both on the territorial organisation of power. The prizes are run by the Institute of Self-Government Studies (IEA), part of the Catalan government's Presidency Department.

Who can apply

• Who you are: You are an author. Books and articles may have several co-authors, but for the thesis prize only the single author can apply.
• Your topic: Your article, book or thesis deals with how power is shared across territories. Examples: shared sovereignty, nationalism, national or linguistic minorities, federal structures, multilevel government, self-determination or secession.
• Field: Political science, sociology, law, economics or political philosophy.
• Language: Your work is written in English, Catalan or Spanish.
• How recent: Articles must be published within the last 24 months, books within the last two years, and theses defended (but not yet published) within the last two years.
• Nationality: Any nationality can apply.
• One limit: Your work must not have been published by any part of the Catalan government (Generalitat de Catalunya).

How to apply

You apply online through the Tramits Gencat portal. Use the official form and attach the PDF of your work or an open-access link. Each year's call sets its own application window, so check when the current round opens before you submit.

How realistic are your chances?

Only one prize is given per category, and it is judged on the quality of finished research. You compete against polished, peer-level work rather than a large open field. A jury scores relevance, scientific rigour and originality, and can leave the prize unawarded if no entry is strong enough. If your work closely matches the IEA's themes and was published recently, a well-argued, well-cited piece has real prospects.