Named in honor of Harry Hodson, a towering figure in journalism, economics, and public service, the Hodson Prize perpetuates his legacy by fostering high-quality research among young scholars. Hodson’s professional career spanned journalism, government service, and academia. Notably, he served as Assistant Editor and later Editor of The Round Table, contributing over sixty articles to the journal and maintaining an active presence on its editorial board until his passing. His career also included service in government during World War II, an appointment as Reforms Commissioner in India, and later leadership roles at The Sunday Times and the Ditchley Foundation. Hodson’s intellectual rigor, commitment to international understanding, and dedication to scholarly excellence are the guiding principles behind the award.

The Hodson Prize is awarded for a written work that demonstrates originality, analytical depth, and an academically rigorous approach to contemporary issues affecting the Commonwealth. It not only provides a financial incentive—£1,000 sterling—but also ensures publication in The Round Table, offering students a rare opportunity to reach a global readership and establish an academic profile early in their careers.

Scope and Objectives

The Hodson Prize is designed to cultivate research and writing that address current and pressing challenges within the Commonwealth, or within individual member states. Scholars are encouraged to produce work that combines historical insight, policy analysis, and critical reflection, resulting in contributions that are both academically credible and socially relevant.

Aims of the Prize

1. Promote Student Scholarship: Encourage undergraduates and postgraduates across the Commonwealth to engage in high-quality research on international affairs, policy, and development.
2. Enhance Understanding of Commonwealth Dynamics: Facilitate critical exploration of issues spanning governance, economics, social policy, and international relations within the Commonwealth context.
3. Support Early Academic Careers: Provide recognition, publication, and monetary reward to emerging scholars, giving them an early advantage in academic and professional trajectories.
4. Foster Global Perspectives: Encourage students to engage with transnational challenges such as climate change, trade, human rights, and security, with a focus on the role of the Commonwealth as a platform for multilateral engagement.

By achieving these objectives, the Hodson Prize continues The Round Table’s mission of promoting knowledge, dialogue, and understanding across the Commonwealth, while also honoring the intellectual contributions of its namesake.

Eligibility Criteria

The Hodson Prize is open exclusively to students enrolled at a university within the Commonwealth. Applicants must meet the following conditions:

• Age: Under 30 years of age as of 31 December 2025.
• Academic Status: Must be an undergraduate or postgraduate student registered at a Commonwealth university on 31 December 2025.
• Originality: Submissions must be original and unpublished. Work may be based on an essay or dissertation, but must stand alone as a coherent piece for the competition.

By focusing on the Commonwealth, the prize encourages comparative analysis, cross-cultural understanding, and an appreciation for the political, economic, and social diversity of member states.

Submission Guidelines

The Hodson Prize requires careful adherence to word count, thematic relevance, and submission procedures. Applicants should note the following:

• Word Count: Between 1,000 and 2,000 words, excluding footnotes and bibliography. Submissions outside this range will be automatically disqualified.
• Topic: The topic is open, provided it relates to contemporary issues affecting the Commonwealth or its regions. Topics may include, but are not limited to, trade, governance, environmental policy, international development, security, and human rights.
• Formatting: Submissions should be clear, concise, and formatted according to standard academic conventions, including proper citations and a bibliography.
• Submission Method: All entries must be sent via email to secretary@commonwealthroundtable.co.uk, with the subject line marked “Hodson Memorial Prize.”
• Deadline: 31 December 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.

Submissions are assessed on academic quality, originality, analytical rigor, and relevance to contemporary Commonwealth affairs.

Suggested Topics and Examples

While the topic is largely at the applicant’s discretion, previous winners provide a benchmark for the type of work that succeeds. Examples of winning essays include:

• “Global Justice, Foreign Policy, and the Law of Peoples: A Rawlsian Defence of the Commonwealth”
• “Canadian Concerns of a Different Kind of Brexit: Britain’s First Application to the EEC and Canada’s Commonwealth Appeal”
• “The Commonwealth, Apartheid, and the Role of Micro-states”
• “Integrating ‘Return’ With ‘Recovery’: Utilising the Return Process in the Transition to Positive Peace: A Case Study of Sri Lanka”
• “India and the Commonwealth”
• “Dealing with Change: Australia, Canada, and the Kyoto Protocol to the Framework Convention on Climate Change”
• “A Place to Stand: The Problems and Potential of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group”
• “The Politics of Participation: Decision-Making Processes and Developing Countries in the WTO”

These examples illustrate the broad thematic range possible, from governance and trade to peacebuilding and climate policy. The prize values work that demonstrates both intellectual sophistication and practical relevance.

Judging and Evaluation

All submissions are evaluated by a panel comprising members of The Round Table editorial board and a representative from the journal’s publisher, Taylor & Francis.

• Evaluation Criteria:
  1. Analytical Quality: Depth of research, logical argumentation, and originality.
  2. Relevance: Pertinence to contemporary Commonwealth affairs or issues within member states.
  3. Clarity and Presentation: Coherence, readability, and adherence to academic conventions.
  4. Innovation: Novel perspectives, critical insights, and evidence of independent thinking.
• Panel Chair: The Editor of The Round Table oversees the judging process.
• Decision: The panel’s decision is final and cannot be appealed.

The award recognizes not only the winning submission but may also encourage other entries for publication, depending on quality.

Prize Details

The Hodson Prize is distinguished by its combination of financial reward and academic recognition:

1. Publication: The winning article is published in The Round Table, allowing the author to gain international visibility.
2. Cash Prize: £1,000 sterling awarded to the winner.
3. Recognition: The winner’s name and article are publicized by the journal, enhancing the author’s academic and professional profile.

This dual benefit ensures that the prize offers tangible and symbolic recognition for exceptional scholarship within the Commonwealth.

Past Winners

The Hodson Prize has a strong track record of identifying talented scholars whose work has contributed meaningfully to the study of Commonwealth affairs.

2024 Hodson Prize Winner

• David R. Salmon, a postgraduate student in the Department of International Development at the University of Oxford, won for his essay “Arthur Lewis Revisited: Economic Development with a Limited Supply of Labour.”
• Background: David is Jamaica’s 2023 Rhodes Scholar and holds an MPhil in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge. His research focuses on public sector reform, industrial policy, and the economic transformation of emerging markets.

Significance of Past Winners

The selection of winners demonstrates the prize’s commitment to fostering young talent that combines academic excellence with policy relevance. Winners often go on to pursue distinguished academic, policy, and leadership careers, further extending the impact of the Hodson Prize.

Why the Hodson Prize Matters

The Hodson Prize is more than a competition—it is a platform for nurturing the next generation of Commonwealth scholars. Its significance lies in several key areas:

1. Academic Development: Provides students with the opportunity to refine research, writing, and analytical skills in a competitive context.
2. Professional Recognition: Early career recognition through publication and prize money can open doors in academia, policy institutions, and international organizations.
3. Policy Relevance: Encourages scholarship that addresses contemporary challenges, bridging theory and practice in international affairs.
4. Networking: Winners and contributors gain visibility within a community of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners engaged in Commonwealth affairs.
5. Legacy of Harry Hodson: Honors the lifelong contributions of Hodson to journalism, governance, and intellectual discourse.

By achieving these outcomes, the Hodson Prize ensures that scholarship on the Commonwealth remains rigorous, innovative, and socially relevant.

How to Apply

Students interested in competing for the Hodson Prize should carefully follow the submission process:

1. Prepare a written piece of 1,000–2,000 words on a relevant topic.
2. Ensure the work is original and unpublished.
3. Include proper academic formatting, footnotes, and bibliography.
4. Submit your article via email to secretary@commonwealthroundtable.co.uk, clearly marked “Hodson Memorial Prize.”
5. Submit by the deadline: 31 December 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to read previous prize-winning essays to understand the standards and scope of successful submissions.

Conclusion

The Harry Hodson Prize represents an unparalleled opportunity for young scholars in the Commonwealth to showcase their talents, gain international recognition, and contribute meaningfully to debates on global policy and international affairs. By combining financial reward, publication, and professional prestige, the prize not only honors Harry Hodson’s legacy but also ensures the ongoing development of scholarship that addresses the complex challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth today.

Aspiring entrants are encouraged to submit thoughtful, original, and impactful research that demonstrates analytical rigor, creative insight, and a deep understanding of contemporary Commonwealth issues. Through the Hodson Prize, The Round Table continues to cultivate the next generation of informed, engaged, and innovative leaders in international affairs.

For more opportunities, visit: opportunitiesforwomen.org/