[Association for Women in Mathematics](https://awm-math.org)

May 15, 2026 (Nomination submission deadline)

Prize award; specific amount not disclosed; awarded biennially.

Biennial prize recognizing early-career women for exceptional research in topology, geometry, and related fields.

--- ## Description The AWM Joan & Joseph Birman Research Prize in Topology and Geometry is a biennial award established by the Association for Women in Mathematics to honor and advance the careers of women who have made outstanding contributions to topology, geometry, geometric group theory, and related areas. The prize aims to highlight exceptional research by early-career women and bring their achievements to the attention of the mathematical community. The award is made possible by the generosity of Joan Birman, a prominent mathematician in low-dimensional topology, and Joseph Birman, a theoretical physicist. --- ## Due Dates - May 15, 2026: Nomination submission deadline (nominations due for the AWM Joan & Joseph Birman Research Prize in Topology and Geometry) --- ## Funding Amount - The prize consists of an award (specific monetary amount not disclosed). - Presented every other year (biennially) at the Joint Mathematics Meetings in January following the nomination deadline. --- ## Eligibility - Nominees must be women based at US institutions. - Candidates should be within 10 years of receiving their Ph.D. or have not yet received tenure at the nomination deadline. - The field is broadly interpreted to include topology, geometry, geometric group theory, and related areas. - Nominations of women from underrepresented minorities are especially encouraged. --- ## Application Process - Nominations can be submitted by anyone (self-nominations are allowed; if self-nominating, an additional letter of support is required). - Nominations are submitted online via [MathPrograms.org](https://www.mathprograms.org/db/AWM/2027BIRMAN). - Required nomination materials: - A one to three-page letter of nomination highlighting the candidate’s exceptional contributions. - A curriculum vitae of the candidate (not to exceed three pages). - One letter supporting the nomination. - All materials become the property of the AWM. --- ## Additional Information - The prize is awarded every other year (even-year nominations, odd-year awards). - The award is presented at the Joint Prize Session at the Joint Mathematics Meetings. --- ## External Links - [Program Page (AWM)](https://awm-math.org/awards/awm-birman-research-prize/) - [Nomination Portal (MathPrograms.org)](https://www.mathprograms.org/db/AWM/2027BIRMAN) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [awm@awm-math.org](mailto:awm@awm-math.org) | | Phone | 401-455-4042 | | Mailing Address | Association for Women in Mathematics
P.O. Box 40876
Providence, RI 02940 | ---

AWM Joan & Joseph Birman Research Prizes in Topology and Geometry

Sign in to see full grant listing