Charles E. Merriam Award 

Nominations are closed.

The Merriam Award honors an individual whose published work and career represent a significant contribution to the art of government through the application of social science research.  This biennial award will next be presented at the 2027 APSA Annual Meeting.  It carries a cash prize of $1000.

Nomination Information

• Eligibility: Self-nominations are accepted. Nominees do not have to be members of APSA, affiliated with an institution in the United States, or an American citizen in order to be considered for an award.

Charles Merriam’s career exemplified a combination of innovative political and social science scholarship and practical service to the community and nation.  The department he chaired in the 1920s-1940s set the agenda of the political science profession in the post World War II decades.  He was the key figure in the founding of the Social Science Research Council, and chaired it in its first decades.  His public service included membership in the Chicago City Council, and President Roosevelt’s National Resources Planning Board, and the Committee on Administrative Management.  

We are continually grateful for the contributions from APSA members and friends that make our work possible. Your donation helps continue the Merriam Award and recognize future scholars for their applied research in political science and government. Thank you for your support of APSA and scholars across the discipline.