The Carob Trust Prize for Academic Courage: An award for scientists who overcome unjustified attacks on their work

 Here's the announcement of a new prize, initially to be awarded for work in the social sciences, reflecting the fact that social science can be politically contentious.

The Carob Trust Prize for Academic Courage: Celebrating the Pursuit of Knowledge 

"The Carob Trust Prize honors academics who pursue bold ideas that challenge prevailing orthodoxies—whether political, intellectual, or methodological—and hold the potential to reshape knowledge, policy, or society. The Prize supports scholars whose work is original, rigorous, impactful, and courageous—even when it is unpopular. " 

"Selection Criteria
Intellectual Independence: A proven commitment to following logic and evidence wherever they lead, regardless of academic or political pressure.
 

Non-Conformist Ideas: Originality and boldness of research agenda. Willingness to ask questions that others avoid—whether uncomfortable, underfunded, or unfashionable.
 

Impact and Vindication: Work of excellent quality that has shifted academic debate, public discourse, or policy. Evidence that ideas criticized at the time have proven—through data, replication, or influence—to possess enduring value. "

"Timeline
Nov. 1, 2026:  Nominations due
Spring 2027:Announcement of Prize winners "

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Here's a column in the WSJ about the prize:

An Award for Scholars Who Tell the Truth
The Carob Trust Prize for Academic Courage will honor social scientists who face unjustified attacks.
By Roland Fryer and Bill Ackman