Division 49 Richard Moreland Dissertation of the Year Award
Division 49 Richard Moreland Dissertation of the Year Award honors dissertation researchers for high-quality completed studies of group phenomena, recognizing work on any type of group using any methodology.
This grant was recently updated
APF now lists a December 31, 2026 deadline for the Division 49 Richard Moreland Dissertation of the Year Award and announces that applications for the 2027 program year open November 1, 2026.
Funder: American Psychological Foundation
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Applications open) | December 31, 2026 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: One $1,000 award, a plaque, and a three-year Division 49 membership
Summary: Recognizes high-quality completed dissertation research exploring any group phenomenon, using any methodology to study any type of group.
Key Information: Only dissertations defended in 2026 qualify for this cycle; applicants must self-nominate.
Description
Sponsored by the American Psychological Foundation (APF) and Division 49, this award recognizes dissertation research on group phenomena. Its scope is broad: dissertations may investigate any type of group, explore any group phenomenon, and use any methodology. The program recognizes completed research, with nominations evaluated on dissertation quality and conformance to program goals.
Past recipients illustrate the range of work recognized, including research on team compassion and innovation, identity-focused group interventions for problematic substance use, peer factors and aggressive behavior, group therapy for pain, and workplace gossip. The winner is announced and the prize conferred at the annual convention of the American Psychological Association.
