Research

The EPLO Thesis
Prize Competition

Celebrating excellence in European public law, every year since 1994. The EPLO Thesis Prize Competition recognizes outstanding academic work produced by emerging scholars in the fields of public law and governance.

Each year, selected theses from ELGU programs may be nominated for consideration based on academic excellence, originality, and contribution to the discipline. The competition offers students the opportunity to have their work acknowledged within the EPLO community and, where applicable, shared more widely through EPLO academic channels.

Participation is coordinated through program directors, who identify eligible submissions and guide students through the nomination process. The Prize reflects EPLO’s commitment to encouraging high‑quality research and supporting scholars at the beginning of their academic and professional journeys.

In Detail

Established in September 1994 by the European Group of Public Law (EGPL) - the Scientific Council of the EPLO - the annual Thesis Prize is awarded to the most outstanding doctoral or postdoctoral thesis in public law distinguished by its European dimension. Eligible theses must be written in one of the official languages of the European Union.

The winner is selected by an ad hoc jury composed of EGPL members and is invited to present the core ideas and insights of their thesis at the EGPL Annual Reunion, held each September in Greece. An article based on the winning thesis is subsequently published in the European Review of Public Law, offering broader visibility and scholarly recognition.

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Participation Conditions

Nationality
Candidates must be nationals of a European Union Member State. Exceptions may be made for candidates whose thesis was prepared at a university or research center located within the EU.
Language
Theses must be written in one of the official languages of the European Union.
Abstract
An abstract must be submitted in one of the working languages of the European Review of Public Law: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish.
Age Limit
Candidates must be under 40 years of age as of January 1st of the competition year.
Submission Materials
Applicants must submit three copies of their thesis, an abstract, and a curriculum vitae to the EPLO Secretariat.

Evaluation Criteria

The jury considers the following:

Relevance and Reach
The thematic interest of the thesis in relation to the mission of the European Group of Public Law and its potential to engage researchers across diverse legal cultures.
Scientific Rigor
Depth of analysis, clarity of argumentation, and contribution to legal scholarship.
Innovative Thinking
Originality and creativity in approach, methodology, or conclusions.
Formal Excellence
Structural coherence, presentation quality, and adherence to academic standards.

How to Apply

Candidates must notify the Thesis Prize Secretariat of their intention to submit by June 30 each year.

The notification consists of an email addressed to afiumi@eplo.int, for the attention of Mrs. Alessia Fiumi, indicating the intention to participate.

The full submission—prepared according to the conditions above—must be sent by July 31 to:

Secretariat – Thesis Prize
European Public Law Organization
2 Polygnotou St
GR‑105 55 Athens
Greece

The EPLO ThesisPrize Competition

In Detail

Participation Conditions

Evaluation Criteria

How to Apply

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The EPLO Thesis
Prize Competition