Details:

Pretoria University Law Press (PULP) invites submissions for the 2026 Christof Heyns Memorial Thesis Award. Doctoral candidates who have successfully completed their doctoral studies in law at an African university during 2025 or 2026 are eligible to apply. The winning thesis will be published in book form by PULP and accompanied by a cash prize. The last date for submission is July 31, 2026.

About the Award

The Christof Heyns Memorial Thesis Award was established in memory of the late Professor Christof Heyns, renowned human rights scholar and one of the founders of Pretoria University Law Press. The award seeks to promote outstanding African legal scholarship and recognize innovative doctoral research addressing critical issues affecting the African continent.

About PULP

Pretoria University Law Press (PULP), based at the Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, South Africa, is an open-access academic publisher dedicated to publishing high-quality legal scholarship focused on Africa and African legal systems.

Eligibility

Applications are invited from doctoral candidates who:

• Successfully completed a doctoral degree in law at an African university during 2025 or 2026.
• Have had their thesis successfully examined before submission.
• Submit a thesis written in English.

Themes

The thesis must address one or more of the following themes from an African perspective:

• Human Rights
• Good Governance
• Social Justice

Award Benefits

• Winner: Publication of the thesis as a book by PULP and a cash prize of R10,000.
• Runner-up: Publication opportunity with PULP and a cash prize of R5,000.

Entry Fee

• No entry fee is required.

Submission Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• Complete doctoral thesis (Word format).
• All examiner reports.
• Proof of successful completion of the doctoral degree.
• Declaration confirming that the thesis has not been submitted for publication elsewhere.
• Plagiarism declaration.
• At least six keywords.
• Short note explaining how the thesis aligns with the award themes.
• Copyright declaration.
• Table of contents, bibliography, annexures, list of abbreviations, and other supporting materials where applicable.

Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of experts based on:

• Quality and depth of research.
• Originality and contribution to knowledge.
• Relevance to African challenges.
• Academic writing and presentation.
• Theoretical and practical significance of the research.

Important Dates

• Entries Open: Open Now
• Submission Deadline: July 31, 2026
• Review Period: August–October 2026
• Announcement of Winners: November 2026

How to Submit?

All submissions must be made electronically via email. Hard-copy submissions will not be accepted. Applicants should email all required documents as specified in the official call for submissions.

Contact Information

Pretoria University Law Press (PULP)
Centre for Human Rights
Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, South Africa

For further details regarding submissions and award requirements, applicants are advised to consult the official announcement.

Organizer

Pretoria University Law Press (PULP), University of Pretoria, South Africa.