Applications are now open for the Dan David Prize 2027, the world’s largest history prize. The prestigious international award recognises and supports early- and mid-career scholars and practitioners whose work has significantly advanced the study of the human past.
Each year, the Dan David Prize awards up to nine prizes of US$300,000 each, with a total annual prize fund of US$3 million. The remaining US$300,000 supports an international and Israeli postdoctoral fellowship programme at Tel Aviv University, where the prize is headquartered.
About the Dan David Prize
Founded by the Dan David Foundation, the Dan David Prize honours innovative research and public engagement that deepen our understanding of history and the human past. Since its relaunch in 2021, the prize has focused exclusively on recognising outstanding early- and mid-career researchers and practitioners working in historical disciplines.
The prize welcomes nominees from around the world whose work demonstrates originality, excellence, and a significant contribution to historical knowledge.
Prize Benefits
Successful winners will receive:
- US$300,000 prize award each.
- International recognition as one of the world’s leading history researchers or practitioners.
- Membership in a distinguished global community of Dan David Prize laureates.
- Increased visibility for their research and public engagement.
- Opportunities to expand future research and scholarly impact.
Eligible Fields
The Dan David Prize welcomes nominations from individuals working in disciplines related to the study of the human past, including but not limited to:
- History.
- Archaeology.
- Art History.
- Digital Humanities.
- Human Palaeontology.
- Public History.
- Museum Curation.
- Documentary Filmmaking.
- Other fields that contribute significantly to understanding the human past.
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees should:
- Be early- or mid-career scholars or practitioners.
- Demonstrate outstanding achievements in historical research or public engagement.
- Produce original work that advances knowledge of the human past.
- Be nominated through the official nomination process.
The prize is open to candidates from any country.
Nomination Process
The Dan David Prize operates an open nomination system, meaning:
- Anyone may submit a nomination.
- Self-nominations are not accepted.
- Previous nominees may be nominated again.
- Multiple nominations may be submitted by the same nominator.
- Nominations are reviewed by an international Selection Committee before finalists are chosen.
Winner Selection Timeline
The selection process follows the schedule below:
- Nominations Deadline: 13 October 2026
- January 2027: Selection Committee identifies finalists.
- February 2027: Board ratifies the winners.
- Summer 2027: Prize winners are officially announced.
Selection Criteria
Nominees are evaluated based on:
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- Originality and innovation.
- Outstanding scholarly or professional achievements.
- Contribution to advancing historical knowledge.
- Impact on the understanding of the human past.
- Excellence within their field of expertise.
How to Nominate
To nominate a candidate:
- Visit the official Dan David Prize nomination portal.
- Complete the online nomination form.
- Provide all required supporting information about the nominee.
- Submit the nomination before 13 October 2026.
Only nominations submitted through the official nomination system will be considered.
Why the Dan David Prize Matters
The Dan David Prize is regarded as the largest history prize in the world, celebrating scholars and practitioners who uncover new perspectives on the past through rigorous research, public history, archaeology, museum work, filmmaking, and other historical disciplines.
By recognising innovative work and investing in future research, the prize helps shape a deeper understanding of humanity’s shared history while supporting the next generation of leading historians and researchers.
Conclusion
If you know an outstanding historian, archaeologist, museum curator, documentary filmmaker, digital humanist, or other scholar whose work has transformed our understanding of the human past, consider nominating them for the Dan David Prize 2027.
With nine prizes worth US$300,000 each, international recognition, and one of the highest honours in historical research, the Dan David Prize continues to celebrate excellence and innovation in the historical disciplines. Submit your nomination before 13 October 2026 to ensure your candidate is considered.
