The Sidney Prizes recognize writers whose writing illuminates the great issues of our times. We look for long-form essays written by writers such as Hilton Als and Ed Yong for The New York Times or The Atlantic respectively, or by those outside traditional publishing echelons such as those writing nonfiction pieces like these for magazines such as Salon or Wired. Furthermore, The Prizes recognize journalists who take up marginalised or vulnerable identities when writing as such.

This award is given annually to a postgraduate research student of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Sydney who has published or presented an exceptional paper which has been presented at either a conference or published. This prize honors Professor MAK Halliday who founded this department.

Sidney Cox had an enormous effect on Dartmouth students through both classes and extra-curricular activities, so his friends have begun collecting funds in order to establish an annual prize that honors his originality and integrity as set by himself and his students. The prize consists of a certificate signed by all Committee members located near Hanover he belonged to (who would likely recognize them).

Philippe Sands KC has been awarded the 2024 Sidney Peace Prize in recognition of his tireless commitment to upholding human rights and activism through Black Lives Matter. This international movement, established by US activists Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi to foster “peace with justice”, human rights and nonviolence is awarded a prize worth PS18,000 annually at Sydney Peace Foundation Gala dinners. This prize was announced at Sydney Peace Foundation Gala dinners last November. Louise Olsen of Dinosaur Designs will design and construct the winning mesmeric swirl award, while runners-up will each receive a PS1,000 travel voucher to support future endeavours. Winners will also have an opportunity to engage in global discussions regarding peace with the Sydney Peace Forum, with 2025’s winner receiving an invite as keynote speaker at Australia’s Sydney Peace Summit (which brings together representatives from government, business, civil society and academia to explore ways of creating more peaceful and sustainable future). The 2025 Symposium will focus on “The New Politics of Peace”.