Acton Institute Names Giovanni Patriarca Recipient of 2012 Novak Award

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (February 20, 2012) – European scholar Dr. Giovanni Patriarca is the winner of Acton Institute’s annual Novak Award. Dr. Patriarca teaches at the Italian cultural institutions and projects in Nuremberg, Germany. He holds a Master in School Management from the University of Macerata (Italy), a Diploma in Islamic Studies at the Pontifical Institute for Arabic and Islamic Studies (PISAI), and a Ph.D. in philosophy at the Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum in Rome. He has worked intensively on pre-classical economic thought, and his doctoral thesis was on the social and monetary theories of the 14^th century philosopher and mathematician, Nicolas Oresme.

Dr. Patriarca was a visiting scholar at Humboldt University in Berlin and undertook research and studies in a number of different academic institutions in France, Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the United States. He has written research papers in several languages on subjects ranging from the history of political and economic doctrines, Islamic studies, to the philosophy of science.

Named after distinguished American theologian and social philosopher Michael Novak, the Novak Award rewards new outstanding research by scholars early in their academic careers who demonstrate outstanding intellectual merit in advancing the understanding of theology's connection to human dignity, the importance of limited government, religious liberty, and economic freedom. Recipients of the Novak Award make a formal presentation on such questions at an annual public forum known as the Calihan Lecture. The Novak Award comes with a $10,000 prize.

The Novak Award forms part of a range of scholarships, travel grants, and awards available from the Acton Institute that support future religious and intellectual leaders who wish to study the essential relationship between theology, liberty, free market economics, and the importance of the rule of law. Details of these scholarships may be found at www.acton.org/programs/students/.

Award Details:

• Nominations: Professors, university faculty members, and other scholars may nominate qualified individuals for the Novak Award by completing the online nomination form.
• Selection Process: Those scholars nominated for the Novak Award will be contacted via email and asked to submit an application. Shortly after the application deadline, applications are reviewed and finalists are selected. The Novak Award recipient will be selected by the Acton Institute research staff and an independent panel of relevant scholars. Award decisions by the Acton Institute are final and not subject to appeal.
• Deadlines: The nomination and application deadlines are the following:
  
  2013 Novak Award

  Nomination Deadline:	November 15, 2012
  Application Deadline:	December 15, 2012
  Announcement:	January, 2013

A completed application consists of:

1. A signed application form [PDF]. (must be completed in English.)
2. A Curriculum vitae.
3. A 500-word essay that describes your intellectual development, future plans, and career goals. This statement should elaborate on the source and development of your interest in the ideas and principles listed above. Include how you expect to contribute to a better understanding or application of these ideas.
4. A research paper, refereed published article, or other scholarly work, such as a book, monograph, or a conference paper, on a theme relevant to religion and economic liberty or a related theme.
5. Two letters of recommendation from professors or other established scholars in your field.

Mail the completed application materials to:

Novak Award
Acton Institute
161 Ottawa NW Suite 301
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 USA

Important Notes:

• Award Communication: All award decisions are communicated via e-mail. If you do not read your e-mail regularly, please clearly indicate this on your application.
• Application Submission: No faxed or E-mailed entries will be accepted. All application materials should be submitted in the same package and be written in English.
• Performance Assessment: Like the vast majority of universities, scholarship programs, and research institutes, the Acton Institute does not enter into discussions with unsuccessful applicants concerning the particular reasons for their denial.

Eligibility:

• Scholars who have received a doctorate from an accredited domestic or international program in the previous five calendar years. Current doctoral candidates in the process of completing their dissertations are also eligible.
• Nominees also must be studying theology, religion, economics, philosophy, business, or a related field.
• Strong academic performance is essential.
• Nominees must have a demonstrated interest in the relationship between religion, economic liberty, and the free and virtuous society. Important principles in this relationship include the recognition of human dignity, the importance of the rule of law, limited government, religious liberty, and freedom in economic life.
• Nominees must display the potential to contribute to the advancement of a free and virtuous society.
• The Novak Award is open to all qualified persons irrespective of race, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability.

Award Conditions:

• Calihan Lecture: The recipient of the Novak Award will present his or her research in a public forum known as the Calihan Lecture.
• Expenses: Travel expenses for the recipient to and from the Calihan Lecture will be provided in addition to the $10,000 award.
• Acknowledgement: Any published work drawn out of the award must also be granted by-line acknowledgment to the Novak Award and the Acton Institute.
• Publicity: The Acton Institute may publicize the award and has permission to identify a recipient as a Novak Award recipient.
• Tax Compliance: Recipients who are United States citizens must submit a W-9 tax form.

Legal Information:

All qualified individuals will be considered for the Novak Award without regard to race, sex, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, religious affiliation, or disability. Award decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

Application Form [PDF]