The BSHS Pickstone Prize 2026 – call for nominations

Nominations are now open for the BSHS Pickstone Prize, awarded every two years to the best scholarly book in the history of science (broadly construed) in English. The Prize aims to recognize pioneering works that advance the scholarly understanding and interpretation of the scientific past. In focusing on academic books, it complements the Society’s Hughes Prize, which rewards engagement with broader audiences.

Established in 2014, the prize honours the memory of our colleague Professor John Pickstone (1944-2014), whose research and teaching so keenly exemplified the scholarly virtues that we wish to celebrate with this memorial.

The deadline for nominations is Saturday 31 January 2026 and should be submitted via the following online form: https://britsochistsci.wufoo.com/forms/bshs-pickstone-prize-2026/]. Both single-authored and multiple-authored books are eligible, but not edited collections. Nominations can be made by anyone. Self-nominations are allowed, as are multiple nominations by a single nominator. Nominations must be available as printed books.

An announcement of the winning title will be made via the BSHS President’s Newsletter and posted on the BSHS website. The author will receive a prize of £500 and may be asked to give a lecture based on its contents at an event organised by the Society.

For the most recent information about this prize please visit our news page.