The Sidney Prize and the Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize
The Sidney Prize recognizes outstanding investigative journalism in service of the common good. Awarded by the Hillman Foundation, the 2024 Sidney Award went to Maya Srikrishnan and Ashley Clarke for their work uncovering how state income taxes disproportionately affect poor people. The pair worked for more than a year to gather data and interview low-income taxpayer clinic attorneys across the country. They are to be commended for their dogged persistence and innovation, and for their commitment to the principles of the profession.
In his annual selection of the year’s best magazine essays, New York Times columnist David Brooks included NAS president Peter Wood’s “The 2015 Sidney Awards,” which explores the intersection of science and humanities. This year, the Sidney Awards also recognized “Two New Years,” by Richard Ho and Lynn Scurfield, which follows a Chinese Jewish family as they celebrate Rosh Hashanah in fall and Lunar New Year in early spring. The warm illustrations evoke the paper cutting traditions of both holidays.
Across the country, many people face intractable problems, but they often find the courage and determination to overcome them. They are not afraid to take risks and are able to see long-term benefits where others only see obstacles. They are working to make a real difference in their block, borough and city. They need more support to continue their important work. The David Prize will give them the funding and visibility to succeed—and to leave the world a little better than they found it.
Established in 1968 through the generosity of the late Dr. Sidney Edelstein, a renowned expert on the history of dyes and dye processes and founder of the Dexter Chemical Corporation. The Edelstein Prize is awarded by SHOT to the author of an outstanding scholarly book in the history of technology published during any of the three years preceding the award.
The Neilma Sidney Short Story Prize seeks excellent short fiction of up to 3000 words themed around the notion of ‘travel’; imaginative, creative and literary interpretations are strongly encouraged. The winner receives $5000 in prize money and the runners-up will each receive $750. The winning story will be published in Overland’s autumn 2024 edition, while the runners-up stories will be published online. Entry is $12 for subscribers or $20 for non-subscribers. Subscribers get discounted entries and access to our daily online magazine, as well as special opportunities and giveaways. To purchase a Sydney Taylor seal to place on copies of winning titles, please visit our Shop page. This year’s judges are:
