Grand Rapids, Mich., April 29, 2025 – In recognition of Kirstin Anderson Birkhaug’s outstanding research in the field of American political thought, with an emphasis on the contributions of women, the Acton Institute will be awarding her the 2025 Novak Award.
Named after the distinguished American theologian, the late Michael Novak, this $15,000 award rewards new outstanding scholarly research concerning the relationship between religion, economic freedom, and the free and virtuous society. This award recognizes those scholars early in their academic career who demonstrate outstanding intellectual merit in advancing the understanding of religion’s connection to human dignity, the rule of law, limited government, religious liberty and freedom in economic life.
Dr. Birkhaug is an assistant professor of political science at Hope College, of which she is an alumna, where she teaches classes in political theory and American politics. She received her Ph.D. in political theory and American politics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023. Her dissertation book manuscript, entitled Profiles in Citizenship: The Women Architects of American Identity, examines the role of founding-era women in constructing ideals of American civic life.
Her other recent projects (published in edited volumes and journals including Political Science Reviewer) have examined topics including citizenship, liberty, and constitutionalism, drawing inspiration from historical figures such as Phillis Wheatley, Mercy Otis Warren, James Wilson and Alexis de Tocqueville. She also serves as the book reviews editor of the Journal of Religion, Culture & Democracy.
The Novak Award forms part of a range of academic grants and awards available from the Acton Institute that support those engaged in serious reflection and research on the relationship between religion, the free market, limited government and the rule of law. Details of these academic scholarships may be found at https://acton.org/grants-awards.
Follow Acton news and events for more information about the Calihan Lecture, in which Dr. Birkhaug will discuss some of her research and be presented with the Novak Award.