In times when the transatlantic bond can no longer be taken for granted, we have decided to create the annual John McCain Dissertation Award for academic excellence. Together with our partners, the Hochschule für Politik München/TUM School of Governance, the Geschwister-Scholl-Institute for Political Science at LMU Munich, the University of the Federal Armed Forces, as well as the McCain Institute, we strive to honour the legacy of John McCain.

The John McCain Dissertation Award is awarded annually to up to two outstanding doctoral dissertations for exceptional academic contributions in the field of political science, with an emphasis on the transatlantic relationship. It consists of several components, including participation in Munich Security Conference events and activities, attractive publication options, and a prize sum of up to 20.000 euros.

The MSC will officially announce the winner(s) in the Federal Press Conference on February 11, 2019. The prize giving ceremony will take place in Munich on February 15, 2019 in the plenary hall of the Bavarian Parliament in the presence of Cindy McCain, the US Congressional Delegation and selected high-ranking MSC participants. It will be followed by a reception in the ceremonial rooms of the state parliament.

Find the full Call for Nominations here.

Die deadline for nominations for this year's McCain Award is January 4, 2019.