2026 Fans of Color Research Prize

Transformative Works and Cultures is now seeking submissions for the 2026 Fans of Color Research Prize. The award recognizes the best peer-reviewed article about fans and/or fandoms of color published in TWC in the preceding 3 years (for 2026, no earlier than 2023) and furthers the journal’s goal to support scholars whose work fills critical gaps in fan studies literature about racially marginalized and/or non-western fans. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

Submission details:

• The submission must be about fans of color. This designation includes both groups that are racially marginalized, such as Latine fans in the US, and fans in nonwestern international contexts, such as Chinese fans in China.
• The article must have been published no earlier than 2023. 
• Articles that were nominated for the 2024 or 2025 prize may be re-nominated if they are within the 2023-2026 window.
• Only one article per author will be considered. 
• Authors may self-nominate, or articles may be nominated by someone else. Authors nominated by third parties will be asked whether they consent to participate.
• Submissions must include the submitter’s name, article title, and DOI or link and are due to twc-prize@transformativeworks.org no later than May 15, 2026 (Anywhere on Earth).

A prize committee composed of members of the TWC editorial board will determine the winner.