Outstanding Social and Behavioral Scientists Sought for Sage-CASBS Award

Do you know a social or behavioral science researcher whose work resonates across disciplines and which has made a significant impact in social, political, or economic life? If so, the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, in collaboration with Sage (the parent of Social Science Space), has an award you might be perfect for — and they’re seeking nominees now through December 19.

The Sage-CASBS Award, established in 2013, recognizes outstanding achievement in the behavioral and social sciences that advances our understanding of pressing social issues. The inaugural recipient was psychologist Daniel Kahneman, 2002 Nobel laureate in economic sciences and author of the acclaimed book, Thinking, Fast and Slow.

Winners since have been Pedro Noguera, the sociologist, education rights activist, and dean of the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California; Kenneth Prewitt, former director of the U.S. Census Bureau and the Carnegie Professor of Public Affairs, Emeritus at Columbia University; William Julius Wilson, the Lewis P. and Linda L. Geyser University Professor, Emeritus at Harvard University; Carol Dweck, the Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology at Stanford University; and Jennifer Richeson, the Philip R. Allen Professor of Psychology at Yale University; Elizabeth Anderson, the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor as well as the John Dewey Distinguished University Professor of Philosophy and Women’s & Gender Studies at the University of Michigan; and Alondra Nelson, the Harold F. Linder Chair in the School of Social Science at the Institute for Advanced Study. This year’s recipient was Daron Acemoglu, the Nobel laureate and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“Social and behavioral science research generates important knowledge that can solve the most difficult societal challenges,” Sage CEO Blaise Simqu and CASBS interim director Lara Tiedens were quoted in a joint statement. “Through this award, Sage and CASBS are committed as ever to honoring the transformative work of social and behavioral scientists – their ability to bridge disciplines, reshape understanding, and inform policies that foster more just, successful, and equitable societies.”

Nominees must be distinguished academics and researchers in the social and behavioral sciences with a proven record of research and influence. The nominees can come from any part of the world and from any of the social and behavioral science fields, but the selection committee particularly values those whose contributions cross several disciplines. Of most importance is that the nominee’s work has transformative consequences for a significant arena of social, political, or economic life. No self-nominations will be accepted.

While five honorees have been CASBS fellows, previous CASBS fellowship is not required.

The winner will receive a cash prize and will deliver a public lecture to be held at the center’s campus at Stanford in spring 2026.

Submit the online nominations via the button above or this page: https://applycasbs.stanford.edu/sagecasbs. The deadline for nominations is December 19, 2025.

The selection committee, co-chaired by Simqu and Tiedens, will consist of at least two additional members. They will announce the Sage-CASBS Award winner in February 2026.