Call for submissions: OUP Early Career Researcher First Book Prize 2026

Oxford University Press (OUP) has opened the call for the 2026 OUP Early Career Researcher First Book Prize, aimed at early-career researchers in the humanities and social sciences. Submissions are open from 1 January to 31 January 2026.

The prize supports researchers who are preparing their first academic book and are within six years of their first academic appointment or PhD award (excluding career breaks). Up to ten prizes will be awarded. Each prize includes full open access publication on OUP’s Oxford Academic platform with a complete fee waiver, as well as hardback publication.

The prize committee is looking for original and high-quality research, with particular attention to interdisciplinarity and work that addresses complex societal challenges. All eligible researchers are welcome to apply.

Applicants must submit an application form, a book proposal following OUP guidelines, and two fully revised sample chapters. Materials should be sent by email to [email protected] by 31 January 2026, 23:59 GMT.

More information on eligibility and application requirements is available at OUP.