Recognizing Excellence in Practitioner Anthropology

The Praxis Award

Since 1981, the Washington Association of Professional Anthropologists (WAPA) biennial Praxis Award competition has recognized outstanding achievement in translating anthropological knowledge into action as reflected in a single project or specific endeavor. Ideal award candidates are anthropologists who can demonstrate the value of anthropological knowledge, theory and methods to solve problems addressed through public and/or private sector efforts (e.g., government, industry, or non-profit). The competition is open to anyone holding an MA or PhD in any sub-field of anthropology. In exceptional cases, applicants with a BA in anthropology may be considered (for example, in countries where the anthropology BA is considered to be a final degree).

Award recipients receive a $1000 prize and are recognized at a Praxis Award ceremony and reception at the meeting of the Society for Applied Anthropology. The next Praxis competition will take place in 2021.  Click for an overview of Praxis and for submission detailed nomination guidelines (subject to change without notice).  Click here for a brief history of the Praxis Award.

Past Awards

2021 Awards (coming soon)

2019 Awards

2017 Awards

2015 Awards

2013 Awards

Complete list of Praxis Awards (PDF)

Updated 28 January 2023