Irene Adler Prize

Scholarship Sponsored by Lucas Aykroyd

The Irene Adler Prize — $1,000 Scholarship Supporting Women Writers

Intro
Writing has opened doors and taken me to extraordinary places: from Sweden to South Africa, from covering the Golden Globes to the women’s Olympic hockey final. I’ve photographed a polar bear and her cubs and interviewed figures ranging from ABBA to Jennifer Garner and Katarina Witt. Throughout my career I have been helped, encouraged and given opportunities by many women — editors, teachers, librarians, publicists, agents and fellow writers. It feels right to give something back.

To that end I am launching the Irene Adler Prize: a $1,000 scholarship for a woman studying journalism, creative writing, or literature at an accredited post‑secondary institution. The competition is international and open to entrants everywhere. Up to two honorable mentions of $250 each may also be awarded.

Key dates
- Application window: January 30, 2026 – May 30, 2026 (no late entries)
- Winner announced: August 4, 2026

Who may enter
- Entry is free.
- There is no age limit.
- Open to women who are beginning or continuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. program in journalism, creative writing, or literature at a recognized post‑secondary institution for the 2026–27 academic year.
- Applicants may be from any country.
- Previous winners of the $1,000 Irene Adler Prize are not eligible to enter again. Previous honorable‑mention recipients remain eligible.

What to submit (one entry per person)
Each submission must include two separate attachments (sent as Microsoft Word documents):

1) A 500‑word essay in English (with its own original title) responding to ONE of the following prompts:
- Describe what you learned or gained from meeting someone (or people) from another culture.
- Which recent historical development makes you most hopeful about the future of women, and why?
- Recount the most unforgettable dream — whether asleep or a waking vision — you have ever had.
- Create a short work of fiction featuring a female protagonist and a dramatic twist ending.
- Nonfiction storytelling that illustrates the global rise of women’s sports and what it means.

On the first page of the essay include your full name, mailing address, phone number, and email address. Personal data will be treated as confidential.

2) A completed entry form (provided with this announcement).

How to send your entry
- Email both Word attachments as separate files to: ireneadlerprize@gmail.com
- In the email subject line put the essay title followed by “(Irene Adler Prize application)”. Example: Coming of Age Amid the Rhododendrons (Irene Adler Prize application).
- Only one entry per person; multiple submissions will be disqualified.

Judging and rules
- Entries will be evaluated by Lucas Aykroyd, the prize administrator, and judged on content, originality, structure, and overall writing quality. The administrator’s decisions are final.
- Any submission found to be plagiarized or generated (in whole or in part) by AI will be disqualified.
- The prize administrator reserves the right to publish the winning essay and the author’s name on lucasaykroyd.com and to publicize it through other media.

Award details and conditions
- First prize: $1,000 USD scholarship. Up to two honorable mentions of $250 USD each may be awarded at the judge’s discretion.
- Proof of enrollment for the 2026–27 academic year at a recognized post‑secondary institution must be provided before prize funds are released. Acceptable documentation includes: an enrollment letter or certificate from the registrar, an official tuition bill, or a schedule of classes.
- Prize funds are intended for educational expenses (tuition, fees, etc.). Winners must provide confirmation that the award was used for such expenses (e.g., receipt, tuition payment slip, or a letter from the institution).
- Any taxes due on the award are the responsibility of the recipient.
- The Irene Adler Prize is a one‑time award.

Questions
If you need clarification about the application process, required documents, or deadlines, email: ireneadlerprize@gmail.com

I look forward to reading your work and supporting the next generation of women writers.