The Bronislaw Malinowski Award is given each year to an outstanding individual who has dedicated their career to solving human challenges through the social sciences. The award honors those who contribute to understanding and addressing global societal needs.

Recipients will deliver a special lecture at the Society for Applied Anthropology’s Annual Meeting. The lecture, often in expanded form, is then submitted for publication in Human Organization.

  • Nominees should be senior professionals, widely recognized for using social science to address global issues. Although normally given to an individual, the award may recognize professional collaborators.
  • Both academics and practitioners can be nominated, so long as their work has a lasting impact beyond immediate or political concerns.
  • Nominations of individuals working outside the United States are encouraged.

Each nomination should include:

  1. Nomination Letter: A detailed letter describing the nominee’s accomplishments, often signed by several individuals.
  2. Curriculum Vitae: A complete CV of the nominee.
  3. Support Letters: Up to three supporting letters, offering further insights into the nominee’s contributions.
  4. Work Samples: Up to five samples of the nominee’s best work. These can include journal articles, books, policy reports, speeches, videos, or other products based on social science. Please avoid submitting bound books—include the title page, table of contents, and a representative chapter instead.

  • Nominations remain valid for five years.
  • The deadline for submissions is December 15.

Send nomination materials to: info@appliedanthro.org

Round silver pendant on a chain featuring an overlay design of a stylized bird with geometric patterns and zigzag lines, photographed on a dark gray fabric background.

Previous Recipients