In an era when essays have given way to op-eds and tweets, the Sidney Prize stands as a force against this trend. It honors every year the best long-form writing, research and thought. The prize was established in memory of the renowned scholar and professor of English, whose book Indirections for Those Who Want to Write set high standards of originality and integrity. The committee that awards the prize seeks to recognize undergraduate writing that meets these high standards. Participation isn’t restricted to students majoring in English.
The Sidney Hook Memorial Award recognizes national distinction by a single scholar in scholarship, undergraduate teaching and leadership in the cause of liberal arts education. The award, named in honor of the distinguished American philosopher and Phi Beta Kappa member, is presented at the Society’s Triennial Council Meeting.
The Society of History of Technology (SHOT) has named York University faculty member Edward Jones-Imhotep winner of the 2018 Sidney Edelstein Prize – the most prestigious prize in the field of the history of technology. The prize, donated by Ruth Edelstein Barish and her family in memory of the late Sidney Edelstein, consists of $3,500 and a plaque.
Overland has announced Annie Zhang as the winner of the 2023 Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize for her story ‘Who Rattles the Night?’. This story, which will be published in the 2024 edition of Overland, was chosen from a shortlist of eight by judges Patrick Lenton, Alice Bishop and Sara Saleh from over 500 entries. Two runners-up were also named, Madeleine Rebbechi for her story ‘A Map of Underneath’ and Sheila Ngoc Pham for her story ‘Whack-a-Mole’.
Prizes are subject to availability and are at the discretion of the prize committee. Winners will be notified via email and will need to provide a valid ID to claim their prize. Prizes not claimed within three months will be forfeited. The prize committee reserves the right to substitute prizes of a similar value.
Winners of the Neilma Sidney Prize will have their stories and/or photographs featured in Overland’s 2024 edition. In addition, winners will have the option to purchase a print copy of the issue in which their work appears. In order to be eligible for the prize, entrants must have subscribed to Overland in the past 12 months or purchase a single issue of the magazine at the discounted rate of $20.
To help us assess the sensitivity of submissions, we ask that all writers tell us whether their piece takes up a marginalised or vulnerable identity or experience. This is to help our internal editors to identify pieces that may require extra care and attention. Your response will not be visible to our external judges, unless they specifically request it for evaluation. To participate, please tick the box below.