The IUSSP Early Career Award is a prestigious accolade offered by the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) to recognize and support emerging researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of demography and population studies. This award is presented to outstanding early-career scholars in the field of population science, specifically targeting professionals in the early stages of their academic and research careers.
The awards are distributed across five global regions—Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America—through a unique collaboration between the IUSSP and various regional associations, including:
- The Union for African Population Studies (UAPS)
- The Asian Population Association (APA)
- The European Association for Population Studies (EAPS)
- The Latin American Population Association (ALAP)
- The Population Association of America (PAA)
Each of these regional partners plays a crucial role in identifying and supporting promising scholars within their respective regions, thus promoting a global network of early-career demographers and researchers.
Objectives of the IUSSP Early Career Awards
The IUSSP Early Career Awards aim to encourage young scholars by acknowledging their research efforts and providing them with a platform to share their findings with the international population science community. The awards seek to:
- Recognize Excellence in Population Research:
The awards highlight researchers who have shown exceptional promise and demonstrated the potential to make substantial contributions to the field. This includes research in critical areas such as fertility, mortality, migration, health, and population policy. - Encourage Innovation and Interdisciplinary Approaches:
The program values innovative research and supports the inclusion of diverse perspectives, encouraging early-career researchers to adopt interdisciplinary approaches to address complex global population challenges. - Promote Professional Development:
Through recognition and networking opportunities, the awards help early-career researchers build their academic reputation and establish connections that can lead to future collaborations and career advancement. - Support Regional Representation:
By awarding scholars from five distinct regions, the IUSSP ensures that diverse perspectives are represented, and that demographic research is strengthened through regional and international partnerships.
Award Structure and Benefits
Each year, one award is bestowed per region, ensuring that early-career scholars from different parts of the world are acknowledged for their achievements. Recipients of the IUSSP Early Career Awards will receive:
- Official Recognition at the IUSSP International Population Conference:
Winners will be honored at a special ceremony during the IUSSP International Population Conference (IPC 2025), which will be held in Brisbane, Australia. - Certificate of Achievement:
Each awardee receives an official certificate acknowledging their research excellence and contribution to the field of population science. - Free Registration for the IPC 2025:
The award includes complimentary registration for the IUSSP International Population Conference, providing scholars with the opportunity to present their research to a global audience of experts and peers. - Networking and Professional Exposure:
Being part of the IUSSP Early Career Award cohort allows scholars to engage with leading demographers, policymakers, and researchers, thereby enhancing their professional network and opening doors for future collaborations.
Eligibility Requirements for the IUSSP Early Career Awards
To be considered for the IUSSP Early Career Award, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Early-Career Status:
- Candidates must be within seven years of completing their PhD at the time of nomination.
- If a candidate has experienced interruptions in their career (e.g., maternity/paternity leave, child/elderly care, or illness), they may request an extension of up to three additional years beyond the seven-year limit. These interruptions should be clearly mentioned in the nomination letter.
- Regional Residency:
- Candidates should be residing in the region from which they are nominated at the time of the application.
- If a candidate is temporarily based outside their region (e.g., postdoctoral position), they should still qualify from their primary or permanent residence.
- IUSSP Membership:
- Candidates must be active members of the IUSSP at the time of their nomination.
- Support from IUSSP Members:
- Nominations must be supported by at least five IUSSP members.
- A minimum of three supporters should be from the same region as the candidate but from different countries within that region.
- The remaining two supporters can be from other regions.
- Self-Nominations:
- Candidates are permitted to self-nominate.
- Self-nominations must also be supported by at least five IUSSP members, following the same distribution criteria as above.
- Exclusion of IUSSP Council Members:
- Nominations and letters of support cannot come from current IUSSP Council members.
Application Process for the IUSSP Early Career Awards
The application process involves several steps to ensure that the nomination is thorough and provides a comprehensive overview of the candidate’s academic and research achievements. Follow these steps to apply:
- Prepare Supporting Documents:
Before starting the application, gather the following documents:- Justification Statement: A brief statement (maximum of 1000 characters) explaining why the candidate is deserving of the award.
- Nomination Letter: A 1-2 page letter detailing the candidate’s research contributions and impact, which may also include supporting statements from sponsors.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): A full CV highlighting the candidate’s academic achievements, professional experience, and a complete list of publications.
- Justification for Leave of Absence (if applicable): For candidates who completed their PhD more than seven years ago, provide documentation explaining any career interruptions (e.g., maternity leave, family care).
- Complete the Online Application:
Visit the Official IUSSP Website to access the application portal. Upload all the required documents in a single PDF format and submit your nomination before the deadline. - Review and Submit:
Double-check all the information and supporting documents before submitting your application to ensure that your nomination meets all the eligibility requirements.
Selection Process
The selection process for the IUSSP Early Career Awards is highly competitive and involves a rigorous evaluation by a panel of distinguished experts in the field of population studies. The selection criteria include:
- Quality and Originality of Research: The research should demonstrate innovative thinking and provide new insights into population dynamics.
- Impact on the Field: The candidate’s research should have the potential to influence policy, contribute to societal well-being, or advance knowledge in significant ways.
- Professional Potential: Assessment of the candidate’s capacity for leadership and future contributions to the field of demography.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting nominations and supporting documents is October 1, 2024. All applications must be received by this date to be considered for the 2024-2025 award cycle.
Final Thoughts
The IUSSP Early Career Awards are more than just a recognition of academic excellence—they are a gateway to professional development and global collaboration in population science. If you are an early-career researcher with a passion for advancing knowledge in demography, this award offers a unique opportunity to showcase your work on an international platform and connect with leading experts in the field.
For more detailed information on the application process and eligibility requirements, please visit the Official IUSSP Website.
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