The ICRW Mariam K. Chamberlain Dissertation Award 2026 – Apply Now

Application Deadline: 17 April, 2026

About the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW)

The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) is a global research institute dedicated to empowering women, advancing gender equality, and fighting poverty. For over four decades, ICRW has conducted rigorous research and partnered with policymakers, advocates, and communities to build evidence‑based solutions that transform lives.

About the Mariam K. Chamberlain Dissertation Award

The Mariam K. Chamberlain Dissertation Award honors the legacy of Mariam K. Chamberlain, a pioneering advocate for women’s rights and a key figure in shaping women’s studies and feminist research globally. Through her work with the Ford Foundation and the National Council for Research on Women, Chamberlain played a crucial role in building academic and policy frameworks that support gender equality. This annual award recognizes and supports first‑generation doctoral students whose research contributes to the field of gender and development. By investing in emerging scholars, ICRW continues Chamberlain’s mission of fostering rigorous, impactful research that advances women’s rights and social justice.

Award Benefits

The total award amount is $10,000, distributed as follows:

• $8,500 awarded to the PhD student
• $1,500 awarded to the dissertation advisor (shared if multiple advisors are involved)

The funding can be used to support:

• Dissertation research
• Academic expenses (e.g., materials, software, transcription services)
• Travel related to the research or award presentation

In addition to the financial support, recipients are expected to present their dissertation work at an ICRW event, providing valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and a platform to engage with leading researchers and practitioners in the field.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Mariam K. Chamberlain Dissertation Award, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a first‑generation doctoral student (first in their family to pursue a PhD)
• Be enrolled in a PhD program at an accredited U.S.‑based institution
• Have completed all coursework and achieved ABD (All But Dissertation) status
• Have a confirmed dissertation advisor
• Demonstrate strong academic and research excellence
• Ensure their PhD will not be completed before May of the award period

The award is open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non‑citizens, provided they are studying at a U.S.‑based institution.

Preference is given to applicants who identify as women, although all eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

Application Process & Date

How to Apply:
Submit an online application. Within the application, you will find questions to answer directly on the form, as well as sections to upload supplemental materials, including:

• Your dissertation prospectus
• Your curriculum vitae (CV)
• Letters of recommendation

Application Deadline: 17 April, 2026

Click here to apply