AsSIST-UK awards an annual prize for a PhD thesis that demonstrates outstanding quality in the STS/Innovation Studies field. The Prize is dedicated to the memory of AsSIST-UK co-founder, Prof. Andrew Webster.
Outline nominations are invited from members of Assist-UK, to be submitted via a short web form. Nominating members must have gained the permission of the nominee before submitting their nomination and will be asked to confirm this in the form.
Criteria
- The thesis must have been awarded (i.e. passed the viva) in the past calendar year by a UK Higher Education Institution.
- The thesis must have a clear and prominent use of STS and or Innovation Studies either in terms of concepts or methodology.
- The thesis must also meet one or more of the following additional criteria:
- The thesis explores novel links between STS and Innovation Studies
- The thesis explores novel links between STS/Innovation Studies and other disciplines
- The thesis explores novel forms of public/policy impact and engagement
- The thesis opens up novel areas of inquiry for STS and or Innovation Studies
Process
The 2026 Prize will be awarded for PhDs completed in 2025.
Outline nominations are now invited through a short nomination form at the link below.
DEADLINE for application is 1st March 2026.
The prize winner will be notified by the end of April and invited to accept the prize at the AsSIST-UK Early Careers Workshop in Brighton, 27th May 2026.
Nominations
Past Winners
The award for 2025 was made to Dr Ryan Shum.
The award for 2024 was made to Dr Benedetta Cantazariti.
The award for 2023 was made to Dr Rodrigo Liscovsky.
The award for 2022 was made to Dr Daniel Robins.
The award for 2021 was made to Dr Matjaz Vidmar.
The award for 2020 was made to Dr Aaron Amankwaa.
The award for 2019 was made to Dr Clemence Pinel.