Khyentse Foundation Award for Outstanding PhD Dissertation in Buddhist Studies

Khyentse Foundation Award for Outstanding PhD Dissertation in Buddhist Studies

Award Amount: US$8,000

Recurrence: Annual

Overview:
The Khyentse Foundation Award for Outstanding PhD Dissertation in Buddhist Studies is given annually to the author of a doctoral dissertation in the field of Buddhist studies, defended during the previous 2 academic years. The dissertation must be based on original research in the relevant primary language or languages and should significantly advance the understanding of the subject or Buddhist texts studied.

Geographic Scope

The award is traditionally granted for Asian and European dissertations in alternate years.

Asia-Pacific Zone (added in 2021):

Mainland China

Hong Kong

Taiwan

Cambodia

Malaysia

Myanmar

Laos

Indonesia

Singapore

Thailand

Vietnam

Australia

New Zealand

Europe Zone: European institutions, including the UK

Eligibility

• PhD programs in Buddhist studies or religious studies at accredited institutions
• Dissertations completed within the specified academic years (typically 2-year window)
• Dissertations written in English or Chinese only
• Based on original research in relevant primary language(s)

Selection Process

• A four-person committee reviews nominations
• Committee selects three dissertations to be read in their entirety
• Committee selects the winning dissertation

Contact

Contact the dissertation award coordinator for inquiries

Background

Past recipients include:
• 2025: Louise Roche (Southeast Asia/Pacific zone)
• 2024: Xiaonan Li and Lingfeng Tan (Asia)
• 2023: Nils Martin (Europe)