The David N. Kershaw Award and Prize was established to honor persons who, before the age of 40, have made distinguished contributions to the field of public policy analysis and management.
This award seeks to recognize original contributions to research-based knowledge that have advanced the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies. Eligibility is not contingent on disciplinary background, policy focus or academic credentials.
This prize is among the most prestigious and largest awards recognizing contributions to public policy and social science. Funding for the award comes from a memorial endowment established following the death of David N. Kershaw and managed by independent trustees. The precise age cut-off is having a 40th birthday no earlier than Dec 31 of the year prior to the award. For example, a candidate for consideration of a 2025 Kershaw award would need to have been 39 on Dec 31, 2024.
The 2026 Award and Prize will be presented prominently at the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management’s (APPAM’s) 2026 Annual Conference, which will be held in Boston, MA, on November 5 – 7, 2026. The recipient will receive a cash prize of $20,000 at the Awards Reception & Presidential Address.
Applications are now closed
