The Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order is a prestigious international prize presented by the University of Louisville. It recognizes highly original ideas that have the potential to lead to a more just and peaceful global society. Unlike many awards that honor a lifetime of work, this prize specifically focuses on a singular, outstanding idea or proposal. The award comes with a $100,000 cash prize. Nominations must be made by a third party (no self-nominations) and are judged on originality, feasibility, and impact. The deadline for initial nominations is January 30, 2026, with all supporting documentation due by February 27, 2026.
Grawemeyer Award 2027 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | University of Louisville |
| Award Name | Ideas Improving World Order |
| Prize Amount | $100,000 (Paid in full at ceremony) |
| Core Focus | Global peace, justice, and international cooperation |
| Nomination Rule | No self-nominations; third-party only |
| Nomination Deadline | January 30, 2026 |
| Materials Deadline | February 27, 2026 |
Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order 2027 Details
The Grawemeyer Award for Ideas Improving World Order is designed to stimulate the recognition and critical analysis of proposals that could incrementally or revolutionary improve the state of the world. Since its establishment, the award has highlighted ideas that tackle the most complex issues of our time—from nuclear proliferation to global economic equity.
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The competition is unique because it prioritizes the idea itself over the nominee’s cumulative career achievements. This opens the door for both established scholars and emerging thinkers who have proposed a paradigm-shifting solution to a global problem.
The Prize for the Grawemeyer Award 2027
The winner of the Grawemeyer Award receives a $100,000 prize, which is presented in full during the official awards ceremony. Beyond the financial reward, the award provides a massive platform for the dissemination and recognition of the winning idea globally.
Scope of Submissions
Submissions are encouraged across a wide spectrum of global concerns. Proposals may address:
- International Relations: Foreign policy formation, world politics, and diplomatic conduct.
- Global Economics: World trade, international investment, and economic cooperation.
- Conflict Resolution: Methods for resolving regional, ethnic, or racial conflicts.
- Technology & Environment: Control of destructive technologies and global cooperation on environmental protection.
- Global Governance: International law, international organizations, and institutional reform.
Judging Criteria for the Grawemeyer Award 2027
The judging panel evaluates submissions based on three primary pillars:
- Originality: How novel is the perspective or solution?
- Feasibility: Is the idea practically applicable in the current or future global context?
- Potential Impact: What is the scale of the “common good” that this idea could achieve?
Nomination & Application Requirements for the Grawemeyer Award 2027
The Grawemeyer Award maintains a rigorous and formal nomination process:
- Third-Party Nomination: Self-nominations are strictly prohibited. An individual or organization must nominate the candidate.
- Required Documents:
- Completed official nomination form.
- A formal nominator’s letter explaining the significance of the idea.
- A biographical sketch of the nominee.
- An agreement to place materials in the university archives.
- Format: Entries must be submitted in four copies.
- Language: Non-English entries must be accompanied by a professional translation.
- Supporting Materials: Any books, articles, speeches, or reviews that detail the idea must be submitted by the secondary deadline.
Key Deadlines
- Nomination Deadline: January 30, 2026
- Supporting Materials Deadline: February 27, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I nominate myself?
No. The Grawemeyer Award does not consider self-nominations. You must be nominated by someone else or an organization.
2. Is this award only for academics?
While many winners are academics, the award is open to anyone who has presented a viewpoint or proposal that could lead to a more just and peaceful world, regardless of their professional background.
3. Does the idea have to be a published book?
Supporting materials can include books, but they can also be articles, speeches, or specific policy proposals.
4. What is the prize amount?
The award is accompanied by a cash prize of $100,000.
5. Can a team be nominated?
Yes, ideas can be proposed by individuals or groups, provided they meet the nomination criteria.
6. Is there a specific format for the “four copies”?
The four copies refer to the nomination package and supporting materials (like books or articles) that need to be reviewed by the judging panels.
7. What if my work is not in English?
All non-English entries must be translated into English to be considered by the committee.
8. Does the idea have to be brand new?
The criteria emphasize “originality,” but the idea should be sufficiently developed to be judged on its “feasibility” and “impact.”
9. Where is the award based?
The Grawemeyer Awards are based at and administered by the University of Louisville in Kentucky, USA.
10. When will the winner be announced?
Typically, winners are announced in late 2026 or early 2027, with the ceremony following shortly thereafter.
