The CSDH/SCHN Outstanding Early Career Award recognizes exemplary scholarly work by a Canadian or permanent resident researcher or a researcher at a Canadian institution during the early stage of their career. Early career, in this context, usually extends from the later stages of doctoral work to up to 10 years since completion of PhD or other terminal degree. The recipient need not be affiliated with an institution.
The recipient will be invited to accept the award at the annual conference at Congress, which will be held in Montreal in June. The recipient will be invited to deliver a plenary address at the conference held the following year.
This award is typically given to an early-career scholar whose work relates to any area of the digital humanities, broadly conceived, whether theoretical, critical, applied, or in the areas of community building and/or research creation. Evidence of scholarship may take the form of print or online publications, a design portfolio, fabrications, artworks or other creative works, prototypes or tools, or a production system. Work produced by a member of a larger collaborative team may be considered for this award; in such a case, the nomination should include a letter from the leader of the team (which may be the nominee her or himself) explaining the nature of the nominee’s contribution to the team activities. The award will be given for work that, in the opinion of the CSDH/SCHN Awards Committee, constitutes a significant contribution to the field. The committee particularly invites nominations for scholars belonging to underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or disabled persons.
Nominations of up to 500 words must be submitted by April 15, 2026. Only current members of CSDH/SCHN are eligible to submit nominations. Nominations must be sent by email to the Chair of the CSDH/SCHN Awards Committee (jpolyckoneill@mun.ca).
The Awards Committee will compile a short list and confirm with nominees whether they are willing to be considered. We will then request the submission of supporting material (CV, letters of support, and access to contributions or projects if not readily accessible) in May 2026.
Adjudication of the award will be conducted by the CSDH/SCHN Awards Committee (Julia Polyck-O’Neill, Emily Murphy, and Kim Martin), who may consult the CSDH/SCHN Executive or external members of the community for assistance in evaluating applications. Selection will be made by the end of May 2026. An announcement will be made in spring 2026, along with the release of the 2026 CSDH/SCHN conference program.
