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PhD Dissertation Award

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The Stigler Center awards up to five $5,000 dissertation awards for University of Chicago PhD students in their third, fourth, or fifth year who are in the advanced phases of a dissertation about political economy, regulation, or the various forms of subversion of competition by special interest groups.

Winners are chosen on the basis of academic excellence and rigorous research.

Details

PhD students in economics, business, political science, sociology, law, and other related fields may apply so long as their dissertation sheds light on a relevant topic, including, but not limited to:

  • Effects of regulation on competition
  • Impacts of campaign financing on legislation
  • Corruption (institutional, political, and old-fashioned bribes)
  • Crony capitalism
  • Media capture
  • Judicial capture
  • Market design
  • Antitrust
  • Shareholder vs stakeholder capitalism and ESG

Winners receive up to $2,500 (depending on the award) after the start of the Fall quarter and the rest upon submission of a research progress report at the end of the academic year. Award winners are required to submit reports throughout the year on their research progress. Winners can also attend Stigler lunches and present their work in progress. 

The awards are open to University of Chicago students only.

APPLY BY JULY 8

Apply

Applications for the 25-26 academic year are now open. Applications must be received by July 8 by midnight CT 

The requirements (below) must be submitted through our application:

  • CV
  • Dissertation proposal (limited to 3 pages)
  • 1 letter of recommendation

Deadline: Applications must be received by July 8, 2025, by midnight CT.

APPLY NOW

Winners