Submissions are now being accepted for the Ford School’s top award for student work, the Peter Eckstein Prize for Interdisciplinary Research and Policy Analysis. The award is given to a student or a group of students in any Ford School degree program in recognition of strong interdisciplinary written work that researches, analyzes, or furthers understanding of a topic, issue, or debate related to public policy. Applications are due April 15.
The prize was established in 2019 by a gift from Peter Eckstein, an economics graduate of the University of Michigan. Eckstein said, “In the course of my own studies and career, I saw the value in considering disciplines together to better understand and solve a problem. I hope appreciation for interdisciplinary research is highlighted through this prize.” Read more about Peter Eckstein and the Peter Eckstein Prize.
Last year, Ryan Van Wie (MPP ‘20) and Jacob Walden (PhD candidate in political science) won the award for their joint paper that marries psychology and econometrics, titled “Excessive Force or Armored Restraint? Government Mechanization and Civilian Casualties in Civil Conflict.” The inaugural winner was PhD student Paul Atwell, for his collaborative work drawing on political science, civil conflict, and media. His award-winning paper, titled "The Reach of Radio: Ending Civil Conflict through Rebel Demobilization," demonstrates the role of FM radio communications in the success of counter-insurgency policies.
The winner will receive a $3,000 prize, which will be announced toward the end of the winter semester. Students interested in entering a submission can learn more on the Ford School Intranet.