In an era where journalism is becoming shorter and shorter, Sidney Prize recognizes excellent long-form writing. The contest honors writers who can capture a specific moment, character or experience, yelling stop—and in so doing give readers a glimpse into the world as it is, not as we think it should be. Each year, a panel of judges reviews submissions and selects the winner. Winners receive a cash award, a one-year subscription to Overland and publication of their work on the magazine’s website.

This year’s winner is George Packer’s essay, “The Quiet German,” about Angela Merkel. Packer’s portrait of the German chancellor is not only an absorbing, detailed political profile—it also highlights a new type of leader. Merkel is not the hero on horseback or the romantic visionary; she’s a dogged, practical plodder who can see and act clearly.

To be eligible for the Sidney Prize, you must be enrolled in first year Sociology on the basis of academic merit and achieve the highest aggregate mark in your sociology units of study (SCLG 1001 and SCLG 1002). This scholarship is supported by the Sidney Hollander Foundation, Baltimore, USA, to commemorate the achievements of the late Associate Professor Alan G. Davis in developing the sociology discipline at the University of Sydney.

The 2024 George Barrett Prize for Public Interest Law will be awarded to Philippe Sands KC for his tireless work on behalf of people without money and power to fight for their civil rights, address the legacies of colonialism and protect the global environment. The prize is named for the legendary Baltimore businessman who devoted his time and resources to social reform, including obtaining equal rights for African Americans.

This is the fourth year that the foundation has presented this prize, which is sponsored by a private donor and administered by the University of Sydney. It is awarded to the postgraduate student who best demonstrates excellence in the subject of Political Economy. This scholarship is open to students enrolled in the Master of Arts (Research) and Doctoral degrees in the Department of Political Economy at the University of Sydney. It is not available to those who currently receive a Postgraduate Research Scholarship that provides a stipend allowance.