Recognizing Excellence. Supporting Equity. Advancing Global Scholarship.

New Directions in the Humanities Conference / Research Network / Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, France (2022)
New Directions in the Humanities Conference / Research Network / Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, France (2022)

We believe that scholarly recognition and access should be both merit-based and inclusive. Our Awards and Support Programs embody these values—honoring outstanding contributions to knowledge while ensuring that barriers to publication do not prevent important voices from being heard. Through the International Award for Excellence and the Common Ground Author Fund, we celebrate innovation, quality, and equity in global research communication.

International Award for Excellence

Each Common Ground Research Network presents an annual International Award for Excellence, recognizing new research or thinking that demonstrates outstanding quality, originality, and contribution to the field.


Selection: Based on peer review scores and recommendations from members of the Research Network, reflecting our belief that scholarly recognition should emerge from collective evaluation and community participation. These awards celebrate research that embodies the spirit of Common Ground—rigorous, inclusive, and engaged with the global dialogue of ideas.

Common Ground Author Fund

To ensure equitable access to publication pathways, the Common Ground Author Fund supports researchers in developing nations through a limited number of fee waivers awarded each year for excellent research. This initiative helps amplify the visibility and global reach of scholarship from underrepresented regions.


Eligibility: Authors based in countries classified by the World Bank as low-income or lower-middle-income economies.

Criteria: Awards are based on peer review scores, ensuring a democratic and merit-based process. Manuscripts must achieve an average score of 21/25 or higher to qualify for full or partial waivers.

Application: Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be made upon submission; late requests cannot be accommodated. Through this program, Common Ground Research Networks reaffirms its commitment to inclusivity, fairness, and global participation in scholarly communication.