Applications are now open for The Conversation Prize for Writers 2026, an exciting annual competition designed for academics and researchers who want to transform their expertise into compelling longform writing for a wider audience.
Organized by The Conversation in partnership with Faber and The Curtis Brown Group, this prestigious competition offers researchers the opportunity to publish their work, receive mentorship from publishing professionals, and potentially develop their ideas into a bestselling nonfiction book.
Whether you are sharing groundbreaking findings, reinterpreting established knowledge, or presenting a unique perspective from your field, this competition rewards exceptional writing that makes academic expertise accessible to a general audience.
What Winners Receive
The winner of the 2026 prize will receive:
- £1,000 cash prize for the winning article
- Online publication with The Conversation Insights
- Mentorship from a book editor at Faber
- Mentorship from a literary agent at Curtis Brown
- Guidance to develop the submission into a nonfiction book proposal
This opportunity can significantly elevate the visibility of your research while opening doors to publishing and media opportunities.
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to academics and researchers interested in communicating their work to non-academic audiences.
Submissions must be written for general readers and fall within one of the following subject areas:
- History
- Arts and Culture
- Business and Economy
- Education
- Environment
- Health
- Politics and Society
- Science and Technology
- World Affairs
Submission Requirements
Applicants must submit:
- A 2,000-word article written for a non-academic audience
- A book idea pitch of 350 words or less based on the article
- A brief 100-word author bio explaining expertise and suitability
- Disclosure of any conflicts of interest
Why This Competition Matters
Beyond the cash prize, The Conversation Prize is a unique platform for academics who want to:
- Build a public profile for their research
- Improve research communication skills
- Explore traditional publishing opportunities
- Connect with literary and publishing professionals
Deadline
All submissions must be received by:
Sunday, 5 July 2026 at 11:59 PM BST
How to Apply
Submit your application materials via email to :
uk-prize@theconversation.com
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