The deadline for receiving a 2026, application is the third Friday in February.
DEADLINE: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
Categories
-
Join 186 other subscribers
A Word about Innovation
Herbert Spiro observed that “…the most awesome problems facing mankind can be solved, if they can be solved at all, only through politics.” (Politics as the Master Science, pg. 161) Thus, being innovative means identifying a problem that is amenable to politics.
With that in mind, what might count as an “innovation” for the Lamb Prize? Among many others, the list includes:
- A problem-solving solution encompassing a new efficiency.
- An idea for institutional engineering–new institutional design–following the tradition of the American founders.
- A mechanical solution, such as in a new technique. An example from recent news articles is mining meta-data, using Artificial Intelligence, or role of social media.
- A new policy or an approach to a policy problem.
- A new grand idea, a new philosophy.
- A new way of understanding or conducting the science of politics. For example, using a research method in a new way or critiquing a current method.
- An idea addressing implementation or administration, such as personnel management, budgeting, or finance.
Engage with us! We want to read your good ideas!
______________________________________________________________
Posted in Innovation
Leave a comment
GOOD WRITING FOR THE LAMB PRIZE
GOOD WRITING HELPS ENSURE THE USABILITY OF THE WINNER’S WORK.
Main Points
For the Lamb Prize, good writing includes but is not limited to:
- Proper use of grammar;
- Appropriate use of tone in an individual voice capable of specificity;
- Conventions that are correct and communicative;
- Logical organization and clarity;
- Logical transitions; and
- Articulation of interesting and important ideas.
Evaluation
The Selection Committee evaluates papers for these characteristics and for the more general indicators of good writing:
- A Question: A clearly stated research question or goal presented early in the paper: having the research question or goal stated in the introduction (and abstract) allows the reader know where the paper is heading.
- An Argument: A logical argument that seeks to answer the question or support the goal, explains why it is important, what others have said about it, and then presents an innovative solution or idea to address the question or goal.
Helpful Tips
- Have a friend, your adviser, or mentor read the paper for editing issues and logical argument.
- Check to be sure there are no jumps in logic within your writing—is everything clearly explained?
- Format and structure your submission for the Lamb Prize. Remember that you are writing for publication; the winning paper will be published online. The Selection Committee is looking for a professional presentation which follows the Lamb Prize instructions without reference to the assignment or class that inspired the writing.
Rules
Written submissions in support of an application must be typed and include sufficient references to demonstrate that the applicant understands the literature upon which the submission is based. Applicants may use any citation style. However, the citation style must be employed consistently within any one document and among all documents. Applications must be signed by the applicant and endorsed by a faculty sponsor.
Posted in Frequently Asked Questions, Good Writing, Selection Committee
Tagged publishing, Winning Paper, writing
Leave a comment
DEPARTMENTS WITH LAMB PRIZE WINNERS
HARVARD UNIVERSITY: CONNER HUEY, 2025
The Department of Government has a strength in teaching and research not only in the four main fields of political science—American Politics, Political Theory, Comparative Politics, and International Relations—but also in Quantitative Methods and Formal Theory. Additional approaches include Historical Institutionalism, Political Economy, Race, Ethnicity and Politics and Social Policy. With over 400 undergraduate concentrators and a range of visiting scholars and postdoctoral fellows, our academic community is energized by a broad and changing spectrum of interests, backgrounds, and approaches. The different backgrounds and perspectives within our community strengthen the intellectual and social life of the department. The Government Department has the third largest concentrations in Harvard College. The Department offers an extraordinary range of political studies and approaches to them. In this Department students can go from the Politics of Inequality to the Politics of Climate Change, from Democratization to Democratic Resilience, from Democratic Ethics to Feminism, from the Political Economy of Trade to Identity and Political Participation. Together our faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate concentrators comprise the dynamic community of political science scholars and students at Harvard.
BROWN UNIVERSITY: LOGAN TORRES, 2024
The Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES) recognizes that today’s problems are complex and interconnected, and so are the solutions. Addressing the 21st century’s most pressing climate and sustainability challenges requires new levels of collaboration and action across disciplines, sectors, and scales of impact. Through solutions-focused research and education enabled by deep partnerships across Brown and beyond, IBES aims to be an engine of real-world impact and a training ground for the next generation of changemakers building a just, sustainable world. Grounded in a culture that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, nimble innovation, public engagement, and equitable outcomes, we seek to bolster knowledge-to-action pathways in Providence, across the nation, and around the world.
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE, ORONO: SAMUEL RANSLEY, 2023
The Department of Political Science at the University of Maine in Orono, Maine is a vibrant and intellectually stimulating hub for students and scholars alike. The University of Maine has been offering courses in government and politics for over a century. With its rich history and dedication to excellence, the department is committed to fostering critical thinking, research, and civic engagement.The department offers a wide array of courses covering the core aspects of political science, including political theory, comparative politics, international relations, law, and American politics.To complement the classroom experience, the department provides ample opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning and research. Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to participate in faculty-led research projects, internships, and study abroad programs. Scores of departmental alumni have pursued careers in the Maine state executive branch, in the Maine legislature, in Maine municipal governments, and in the federal government.
UNIVERSITY at ALBANY, SUNY: NADINE AL ANNABI, 2023
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University at Albany, SUNY has consistently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s premier schools of public affairs. The College offers undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level degree programs in public administration, public policy, international affairs, and political science. Talented students come to Rockefeller for the knowledge and tools to make a difference in the world. Rockefeller College prides itself on preparing dynamic leaders who will shape the public policies of the future. Students are able to benefit from academic and experiential learning opportunities in the New York Capital Region and beyond to develop a strong foundation for careers in the public, nonprofit and private sectors as well as careers in teaching and research. The University at Albany is the premier public research university in the Capital Region and offers more than 17,000 students the expansive opportunities of a large university in an environment designed to foster individual success.
BROWN UNIVERSITY: ANDREW STEINBERG, 2021
The International and Public Affairs program at Brown University is the Watson Institute’s multidisciplinary and globally-comparative undergraduate concentration. The concentration equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for engaged global citizenship at a time of rapid transformation and mounting societal challenges. The IAPA offers three tracks: Development, Policy & Governance, and Security. Across all three tracks, it is committed to engaging students in the classroom, enabling research opportunities with faculty and in the field, and supporting experiential work opportunities.
IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY: SANDRA CARRILLO RODRIGUEZ, 2020
Idaho State University is a public research university that offers more than 280 programs. Offering Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Political Science, along with a Master’s of Public Administration degree, ISU’s Political Science department provides coursework in the fields of U.S. Politics, Comparative Politics and International Relations, Public Law, Public Administration and Political Theory. We prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in civil society, address the future of our ever-changing political climate, and confront current issues such as human rights, climate change and socio-political and economic development. Students can access unique opportunities through internships and research to experience how the theoretical world interacts with the reality. The main campus is in Pocatello, Idaho with other campuses in Meridian, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, Idaho.
SAINT VINCENT COLLEGE: PAUL F. WEISSER, 2019
The politics department at Saint Vincent College approaches the study of politics as both philosophical reflection and analytical art. From the study of ancient, modern and contemporary sources, students are led to examine critically the ideas and events that have influenced the formation of political principles, government organization, characteristics of citizenship and social policy. Along with philosophical grounding, the program seeks to provide the analytical competence to understand the contemporary political environment, to address effectively public policy issues, and to contribute intellectually and practically to the sociopolitical challenges of our times. In this way, the department contributes to Saint Vincent College’s mission as a Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts institution of higher learning.
UNIVERSITY at ALBANY, SUNY: ZACHARIAH A. LEVITAN, 2018
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy at the University at Albany, SUNY has consistently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s premier schools of public affairs. The College offers undergraduate, masters, and doctoral level degree programs in public administration, public policy, international affairs, and political science. Talented students come to Rockefeller for the knowledge and tools to make a difference in the world. Rockefeller College prides itself on preparing dynamic leaders who will shape the public policies of the future. Students are able to benefit from academic and experiential learning opportunities in the New York Capital Region and beyond to develop a strong foundation for careers in the public, nonprofit and private sectors as well as careers in teaching and research. The University at Albany is the premier public research university in the Capital Region and offers more than 17,000 students the expansive opportunities of a large university in an environment designed to foster individual success.
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY: CLAIRE McMORRIS, 2017
Oregon State University is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Oregon. The main campus for OSU is in Corvallis, with other campuses in Bend, Newport, Portland, and online. The Political Science department at OSU offers coursework in four sub-fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory. As a Land Grant University, OSU offers students unique opportunities through internships, practical real-world work experience, and research with extension offices throughout the state. OSU is one of only two universities in the United States to have Sea, Space, and Sun Grant designations. The political science program at Oregon State is housed in the School of Public Policy. In addition to its undergraduate programs in economics, sociology, and political science, the School offers Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Public Policy.
BRYANT UNIVERSITY: QUINN MASSARONI, 2016
The Politics and Law program at Bryant University is an interdisciplinary program that brings together Political Science and Legal Studies in order to prepare students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the terrain of a world shaped by persistant change, shifting power and debates about critical questions regarding the role of government, the importance of human rights and peacekeeping as well as current issues such as climate change. Students in this major also will develop and master a set of critical skills. These include the ability to: (1) define or describe key concepts, specific facts, and critical issues of U.S. and global politics and law, and correctly apply this information to particular examples; (2) use conceptual models and theories to analyze political and legal events and decisions; (3) identify and discuss the methods used in political science and legal studies research; and (4) apply political and legal science methods in making convincing arguments supported by evidence and reasoning.
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA –DAVIS: DAVID BELCHER, 2015
The University of California, Davis is a public research university and part of the University of California system. The university has over 36,000 total students and has numerous internationally recognized program across the university. The Department of Political Science offers a cutting-edge education on the undergraduate and graduate levels. At the undergraduate level, our department houses three majors: International Relations, Political Science, and Public Service, with a total of nearly 1500 majors. In addition to a solid liberal arts education, we offer opportunities for undergraduates to do internships in Sacramento and Washington, DC, and to do research in political science, whether independently through our senior honors thesis program or through working with professors. Our graduate program is highly ranked and respected, having been ranked 16th in the nation by the National Research Council and 17th by the most recent US News rankings of political science graduate programs.
The Lamb Prize in Political Science 