How to design effective journal awards
Academic journals exist in a highly competitive publishing environment, where attracting strong submissions and keeping readers engaged is more important than ever. With so many journals competing for attention, editorial teams are constantly looking for ways to stand out and show researchers why they should publish with them. In recent years, journals have increasingly introduced initiatives such as ‘Best Article Awards’ and ‘Early Career Researcher Awards’ to recognise excellence and distinguish standout contributions.
By spotlighting select contributions, these awards draw attention to research that is not only high-quality but also timely, relevant, and impactful. They can also play a significant role in strengthening a journal’s identity, attracting high-quality research, and engaging more actively with readers, authors, and reviewers.
KNE CLUE: WHAT TO THINK ABOUT WHEN DESIGNING AN AWARD
An effective award should do more than simply recognise a popular paper; it should reflect the journal’s editorial values and highlight the kind of research the journal wants to encourage. Depending on the journal’s aims, this may include recognising methodological rigour, originality, innovation, policy relevance, societal impact, or contributions to a specific field or region.
To ensure credibility, journals need to establish the structure of the award and clearly communicate how the process works. This includes deciding:
Whether all published articles are automatically eligible.
Whether only specific article types, such as original research papers, will be considered.
Whether the award will be annual, issue-based, or linked to a particular publication period.
Who will evaluate submissions and select the winner.
One of the most important aspects of creating an award is establishing clear and transparent criteria. Journals need to define what ‘best’ actually means and make these standards publicly available. This not only builds trust in the award process but also gives authors a clearer sense of what the journal values and the type of scholarship it aims to promote.
The selection process itself is equally important. A robust process may involve a diverse committee representing different perspectives within the field, and in some cases, external reviewers to minimise bias. Transparency in decision-making helps ensure the award is respected and taken seriously within the academic community.
Journals should also carefully consider what the recipient receives. Meaningful recognition helps the award carry value beyond the title itself. This could include:
Certificates or formal recognition.
Fee waivers for future submissions.
Featured promotion across websites, newsletters, or social media.
Interviews, press coverage, or spotlight features.
At the same time, there are several things journals should watch for when designing awards. One of the biggest risks is that the award feels symbolic rather than meaningful. If it comes across as superficial or primarily designed for marketing purposes, it can undermine trust rather than strengthen it.
Other important concerns include:
Repetition bias
When the same authors or institutions consistently win.
Lack of diversity
Where certain regions, disciplines, or perspectives are underrepresented.
Opaque decision-making
When it is unclear how winners are selected or what criteria are prioritised.
Without transparency and careful planning, even a well-intentioned award can lose credibility. However, when awards are thoughtfully designed and aligned with a journal’s mission, they can become a meaningful way to recognise excellence while also shaping the future direction of research within the field.
In the end, awards work best when they are grounded in genuine editorial values, run through clear and transparent processes, and offer recognition that actually means something to the recipient. Well-designed awards do not just celebrate excellence after the fact — they also help shape what research excellence looks like in the future.
Still wondering whether introducing an award is worth it for your journal? This KnE Clue explores how awards can help journals attract stronger submissions, increase visibility, and build a stronger reputation within their field.