About the Award
We are pleased to announce the second edition of the Michael Cichon Graduate Award for Outstanding Theses in Social Protection and Public Policy. This award honours the legacy of the late Michael Cichon, whose life's work profoundly shaped the global social protection agenda.
At a time when social protection systems and public policy challenges are becoming increasingly complex, this initiative seeks to spark innovative solutions and fresh perspectives through the voices of young academics. The award provides a platform for emerging scholars to demonstrate creativity and originality in addressing current policy challenges related to social protection and public policy. By engaging young researchers and thinkers, the award aims to support the next generation of policymakers, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to advancing inclusive and sustainable public policy solutions.
Michael Cichon was a visionary leader and advocate for universal social protection. He strongly believed in the power of engaging young minds to advance social justice and policy innovation. This award pays tribute to his enduring influence and commitment to supporting future leaders in the field.
Submission Deadline:15 September 2026
Eligibility Criteria
The award is open to students from around the world who have completed master's theses on topics related to social protection and/or public policy, broadly understood within the fields of social sciences, development studies, public policy, governance, economics, or related disciplines.
To be eligible, the thesis must:
- Be submitted as part of a recognized master's programme;
- Result in the successful completion of the degree in either 2025 or 2026;
- Be approved by no later than 15 September 2026;
- Focus on a topic related to social protection and/or public policy;
- Be submitted either by the student (self-nomination) or by a faculty member or academic advisor familiar with the work (using the link provided).
All submissions must include evidence of thesis approval and confirmation of degree completion.
For submission, click here.
Timeline & Selection Process
- Call opens: 1 June 2026
- Submission deadline: 15 September 2026
- Review process by jury panel: September–October 2026
- Announcement of finalists: 15 November 2026
- Award ceremony: details to be announced separately
Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of academics, policymakers, and practitioners with expertise in social protection and public policy.
What's New This Year
This is the second edition of the award.
- Submission deadline updated to 15 September 2026.
- Announcement date updated to 15 November 2026.