2027 IUSSP Early Career Awards for Population Scholars Worldwide

Introduction

Are you an early career scholar driving new insights in population studies? Do you want to elevate your research on a global stage and connect with the world’s leading demographic experts? The International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) is now accepting nominations for its 2027 Early Career Awards, and it may be the perfect platform for your achievements.

Established in 2023, this prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to population science across five global regions: Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America. The awards are bestowed in collaboration with major regional associations, including the Asian Population Association (APA) and the European Association for Population Studies (EAPS). Five laureates will be selected to present their research in a global webinar and receive free registration to the International Population Conference (IPC 2029) in Barcelona, Spain.

Read on to find out if you meet the post-PhD eligibility criteria, what the nomination package requires, and how to submit your application before the 1 November 2026 deadline.

Quick Overview

Provider	International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP)
Country / Location	Global (Awards presented at IPC 2029 in Barcelona, Spain)
Program Type	Award / Recognition
Study Level	Postdoctoral / Early Career Researcher
Funding	Conference Registration & Global Webinar Presentation
Number of Awards	5 (One per global region)
Open To	Global (IUSSP members resident in their nominated region)
Deadline	1 November 2026

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Award Regions

The IUSSP Early Career Award selects one laureate from each of the following five world regions, supported by regional partners:

• Africa (in collaboration with UAPS)
• Asia and the Pacific (in collaboration with APA)
• Europe (in collaboration with EAPS)
• Latin America and the Caribbean (in collaboration with ALAP)
• North America (in collaboration with PAA)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I nominate myself for the IUSSP Early Career Award?

Yes, self-nominations are fully accepted and encouraged. However, even if you self-nominate, you must still secure the support of at least 5 active IUSSP members (from at least two different countries, with three from your region). Be sure to include yourself as one of the sponsors on the form.

What happens if one of my supporters is not an active IUSSP member?

The online nomination system draws directly from the IUSSP member database. If you cannot find a sponsor’s name in the drop-down list, their membership has likely expired. They will need to renew their membership, or you will need to find an alternative active member to support your nomination.

Do temporary research stays count towards my residency region?

No. If you are temporarily posted outside your home region (for example, on a short-term postdoctoral fellowship), you still qualify for the award in the region where you are permanently or mainly based.

When preparing your online nomination package, you will need to gather the following documents and information:

A short justification for the nomination (maximum 1,000 characters) for the online form.

A 1-2 page explanatory statement/letter of nomination (which can include supporting statements from your sponsors).

A full curriculum vitae (CV), including a complete list of your publications.

A formal justification for any leaves of absence (only if requesting a career interruption extension).

To be eligible for the 2027 IUSSP Early Career Awards, you must meet all of the following requirements at the time of nomination:

Career Stage

You must be an early career scholar with no more than 7 years of experience after receiving your PhD.

Your PhD must have been obtained after 1 November 2019.

An extension of the eligibility period for up to 3 years may be accepted for documented career interruptions (e.g., maternity/paternity leave, child/elderly care, illness).

Membership & Residency

You must be a current, active member of the IUSSP.

You must be a resident of the region you are nominated for. In cases of temporary postings (like a postdoc), you qualify for the region where you are permanently or mainly based.

Nomination Support

Nominations must be supported by at least 5 active IUSSP members from more than 1 country.

At least 3 supporters must be from the candidate’s region (a maximum of 2 can be from other regions).

Members of the IUSSP Council cannot act as supporters for any nomination.

If you are selected as one of the 5 regional laureates for the 2027 IUSSP Early Career Awards, your recognition package includes:

Free registration for the next International Population Conference (IPC 2029) in Barcelona, Spain.

An exclusive opportunity to present your current work and research interests in the 2027 Early Career Awards global webinar.

Formal presentation and recognition at the IPC 2029 Awards ceremony in front of leading population scientists.

If you are ready to submit a nomination or self-nomination, follow these steps carefully

Ensure your IUSSP membership (and the membership of your 5 supporters) is current and active.

Prepare your CV, nomination letter, and short justification text.

Log in to the IUSSP member portal to access the Online Application Form.

Enter the last names of your supporters to link their profiles to your application.

Upload your documents and submit the form before the 1 November 2026 deadline. (Note: You can save your progress and return to complete it later if needed).

Apply Now →