Master’s Award in Development Studies 2026: Call for Theses and Pre-selection Committee Members
The Finnish University Partnership for International Development (UniPID), in collaboration with the Finnish Society for Development Research (FSDR), is pleased to open the Master's Award in Development Studies 2026! This annual award celebrates outstanding Master’s theses in the interdisciplinary field of global development research and brings together the academic community in recognizing excellence in research conducted by students at the UniPID member universities.
Call for Theses: Master’s Award in Development Studies 2026
UniPID and FSDR are now accepting submissions for the Master’s Award in Development Studies 2026, which will be presented at the Development Days Conference in February 2027. The winning thesis will receive a €1,000 prize, and honorable mentions may also be granted.
Eligible theses must have been approved between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026 at a UniPID member university, be written in Finnish, Swedish, or English, and demonstrate strong academic merit within the field of global development research.
You can submit your thesis through the application form on the UniPID website. The submission deadline is 14 August 2026. More information here: https://www.unipid.fi/unipid-calls/masters-award-2026/.
Call for Pre‑selection Committee Members
In addition, UniPID and FSDR are inviting applications for the Master’s Award in Development Studies 2026 pre‑selection committee. Committee members play a key role in reviewing and evaluating submitted theses and selecting finalists for the award.
The role of a pre-selection committee member is suitable for anyone who are active and interested in the academic discussion within the interdisciplinary field of global development research. Eligible participants include university staff, researchers, and practitioners. Members of the pre-selection committee are expected to hold a master’s degree.
Serving on the committee offers valuable academic experience, insight into current research trends, and the possibility of receiving a participation certificate or study credits. Read more and leave your application here by 12 June 2026.
For more details on either call, please contact Meeri Tiensuu (if.feu@uusneit.ireem).
We warmly encourage submissions from emerging scholars and invite interested experts to join us in advancing excellence in development studies.
Photo credit: Nikolett Emmert (on Unsplash)
