Nominations for the Nils Klim Prize

The Nils Klim Prize is awarded annually to a scholar from/in the Nordics, under the age of 40, for outstanding contributions to research in the humanities, social sciences, law or theology.

The Nils Klim Prize was established by the Norwegian Parliament in 2003 and is awarded annually to a scholar under the age of 40, from/in a Nordic country, for outstanding contributions to research in the humanities, social sciences, law or theology, either in one of these academic fields or through interdisciplinary work. 

The scholar’s ability to be original and innovative is highly emphasised. It is also taken into account whether the research contribution is especially outstanding or promising in light of the scholar’s age, the nature of the research, and traditions in the researcher’s academic field.

The Nils Klim Prize is worth NOK 500,000 (approximately EUR 45,000).

Anyone holding an academic position at a university, academy or other research institution may nominate candidates for the Nils Klim Prize. 

The nomination deadline is 15 June each year.

The deadline for 2025 has now passed, but we welcome nominations for the 2026 Nils Klim Prize. It is possible to save your progress in the nomination form and complete it at a later time if needed.

Requirements and restrictions

These are the requirements and restrictions for nominations for the Nils Klim Prize. Please consider these before you start filling out the nomination form.

  • The candidate must be an active contributor to research in the humanities, social sciences, law or theology.
  • Candidates must be under the age of 40 when the nomination deadline expires. Time spent on parental leave and/or sick leave can be deducted. Please note that the nominator is not required to provide sensitive information about the candidates, such as medical records or documentation regarding personal life. In cases of doubt, the secretariat will be responsible for obtaining the necessary information and documentation.
  • The candidate must be a citizen of a Nordic country or have a main affiliation with a Nordic research institution. 
  • Nominations of organisations or groups will not be considered.
  • Self-nominations will not be considered.
  • Nominations are strictly confidential and should not be disclosed to the nominee or to others at any time.
  • Please note that only documents written in either English or a Nordic language will be part of the candidate evaluation.

In the online form, nominators are asked to submit the following:

  • Information about the nominator: Name, affiliation and contact details.
  • Information about the candidate: Name, affiliation and contact details.
  • A nomination letter of 1000-3000 characters (incl. spaces) written in English, stating why the candidate should receive the Prize.
  • A C.V. and publication list for the candidate (in English).
  • Writing samples from the nominated candidate’s list of publications (maximum five carefully selected works); no entire books/dissertations should be submitted, but rather excepts of books, including a list of contents and references.

Selection Process

The Prize is awarded by the Board of the Holberg Prize at the recommendation of the Nils Klim Committee, which consists of renowned Nordic scholars in the relevant research fields.

The Nils Klim Laureate will be announced in March, and the award ceremony will take place in Bergen, Norway during the Holberg Week, early June the same year.

Got questions?

If you have any questions or experience technical difficulties with the nomination form, please contact info@holbergprisen.no