The Sidney Prize is a monthly award administered by the Sydney Prize Foundation. The prize honors outstanding journalism that illuminates the great issues of our day—from the search for a basis for lasting peace to the battle for social and economic justice, democracy and civil liberties. The prize includes writing in both daily press and new media, and focuses on work that illuminates the issues of poverty, racism, the environment and war.

The prize honors the memory of Dr. Sidney Edelstein, who was an internationally recognized expert on the history of dyes and founder of a successful specialty chemical manufacturing firm. The prize is presented annually by SHOT in his name to the author of an outstanding book on the history of technology published in the previous calendar year. The winner receives $3500 and a plaque, and two runners-up each receive $750. The winning book is published in Overland and the runners-up are published online.

In 2024, the prize was awarded to a team of authors for their collaborative essay titled “A History of the Black Lives Matter Movement.” This year’s winner, Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi, have been instrumental in advancing the human rights agenda globally. Their tireless campaign to address the killings of unarmed black people has inspired people from all walks of life to join the movement.

Winners of the Sidney Prize have a wide variety of career paths. Some have gone on to be political leaders, while others are journalists, lawyers and academics. Some are even members of the military or law enforcement officers. Nominees must have contributed significantly to the promotion of peace with justice in Australia, either by their personal efforts or by a body which they lead or support.

In announcing the winners of the 2023 Neilma Sidney Prize, Overland magazine editor David Stubbs said the judges were delighted with the quality of entries this year. “We received many excellent submissions, and the finalists exemplify the very high standards we have come to expect from writers who enter this competition,” he said.

A family prepares for the annual celebrations of Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year, with warm illustrations that evoke paper cutting traditions of both cultures. A thoughtful look at these two celebrations, their similarities and contrasts.

This prize is given to encourage deeper reflection and consideration by HLS students about their chosen profession and its role in society. The prize also seeks to promote more diverse perspectives among students and the greater legal community. Submissions must be on topics related to the legal profession, such as (but not limited to): the impact of social trends on the legal landscape, the management of law firms and other legal institutions, diversity or gender-related issues in the workplace, changes in the practice of law over time, and comparisons between lawyers and other professional service providers. Please refer to the Prize Submission Instructions page for detailed guidelines and submission instructions. The deadline for nominations is the last day of each month.