We invite nominations and applications of students and early career researchers (ECR) from around Aotearoa for the Sam Taylor-Alexander ECR Prize for Ethics and Engagement within Anthropology.

The prize aims to recognise the everyday ethical labour and engagement that is continually practiced in, and essential to, the academy, and in doing so, to foster a culture of allyship, social justice, and generosity within ANZ anthropology. We invite nominations of students and precariously employed ECRs who demonstrate a spirit of intellectual generosity, social justice, academic kindness, and/or solidarity. These may be evident in a nominee’s personal conduct, research focus, teaching practice, or activities beyond the university. While first year postgraduate students may apply, we particularly encourage applications from those who have begun or completed ethnographic fieldwork. Research quality and intellectual merit are not significant considerations for this Prize, as these are recognised in other awards.

The focus of the award is inspired by Sam Taylor-Alexander’s reputation for collegiality, generosity of time and thought, and mentorship of junior scholars while he himself was precariously employed. The decision to create this award for students and ECRs with no requirements for its use is in recognition of Sam’s passion for social and distributive justice.

The value of the prize is NZ$1000, to be used however the recipient sees fit.

The deadline for the prize is Friday 20 November 2026. You are invited to nominate a peer, student, or colleague, and self-nominations are also very welcome. Visit our webpage for more details about how to apply.