Nomination Period: Open from January 1 - March 15 each year for articles or chapters published in 2022 & 2023.
This award is available every other year for articles or chapters published in the prior two years. Articles or chapters published for the two years listed above are eligible for the 2024 award.
Nominator: SSSS members are eligible to submit a nomination. Self nominations from SSSS members are welcome.
Nominee Requirement: An author of a nominated article or chapter does not need to be a SSSS member.
Nomination Process:
- The nominator* must complete an online submission form and attach two documents (pdf).
- article or chapter
- a letter, with a paragraph or two explaining why this publication should be considered for this award.
*The nominator bears responsibility for submitting the completed nomination.
Review & Evaluation Process:
- Nominations are reviewed by a three-person Theoretical Paper Award Subcommittee*.
- The Subcommittee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors** for final approval.
*The Awards Chair and Subcommittee Members of the Outstanding Theoretical Paper Award are not eligible to win the award. If a Subcommittee Member would like to be considered for the award, they will be replaced during that review year.
**If a Board Member is an author on a nominated paper, that Board Member will abstain from the vote.
Review Criteria: The article/chapter are evaluated based upon the following criteria:
- The extent to which it advances a novel, parsimonious, and testable theory
- The extent to which the theory is applicable and useful for explaining human sexual attitudes and behaviors
- The extent to which the theory is examined in light of relevant empirical evidence (new or existing)
- The extent to which the book acknowledges, includes, values, and/or amplifies diverse voices and strengths in sex science
Conditions for Accepting the Award:
- Conference attendance and making a presentation during a concurrent session
In the year an Outstanding Theoretical Paper Award is named, the recipient receives:
- Commemorative Plaque (awarded to the first author)
- $250 Award (awarded to the first author)
- $500 for Travel* to the SSSS Annual Conference to accept the award and deliver a talk during a concurrent conference session.
- One night accommodation* at the conference host hotel
- Complimentary Conference Registration*
*Travel, accommodation, and registration to the SSSS Annual Conference are provided the year the recipient receives the award. If travel is not required to attend the conference (e.g., the winner lives in the conference city or SSSS holds a virtual conference), travel and hotel will not be provided, but complimentary conference registration will remain in place.
Questions? Contact SSSS at TheSociety@SexScience.org.