Each year, UT faculty may nominate or students may enter to win this award that highlights outstanding thinking and scholarship in research that focuses on strengthening our democracy.
The Patman Center Research Award for Advancing Democracy seeks to recognize outstanding thinking that helps our democracy thrive. Through academic scholarship and innovation, we hope to uplift research that demonstrates exceptional insight and dedication to advancing the cause of democracy.
Students may submit their research to win a $1,000 award celebrating their contributions to strengthening democracy.
Examples of topics that could be awarded, but are not limited to are: civic participation, public engagement, misinformation/disinformation, campaign finance reform, civility in public discourse, elections, voting, redistricting, political theory and other research focused on helping us understand our democracy and imagine ways to improve it.
Individuals and group collaborations are welcome to apply. UT students at all levels (undergraduate and graduate) are invited and can be from any department at the University.
This award seeks to highlight new knowledge or ideas that reinforce democracy. Applications must include:
- A list of all research contributors with email addresses, units/departments, and UT EIDs
- Short (one paragraph) biographies for each research contributor, including expected year of graduation.
- An abstract, or one or two paragraph overview, of the research
- The research report
- Any supplemental resources that the research has generated including one-pagers, memos or presentations.
Award recipients will be invited to attend a Patman Center Leadership Symposium the fall to receive a certificate honoring their contributions and will be invited to offer a few words about their research to attendees. Awardees will also be highlighted in a Patman Center email newsletter and on the Patman Center’s website.
Applications accepted beginning Spring 2025.
Research Award News
2024 Patman Research Award Winners
Paulina Licon
Paulina Licon was born in El Paso, Texas, and raised in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. Growing up surrounded by a blend of cultures has helped fuel her passion for social justice and immigrant rights. Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Social Work with a minor in Government at the University of Texas at Austin, Paulina hopes to one day earn a Master's Degree in Social Work and pursue law school. She has actively engaged with the immigrant community in Austin, Texas. During her time at Casa Marianella, she has served as a Case Manager, Support Letters Operator, and Legal Assistant, providing her with invaluable experiences. Beyond her academic pursuits and professional endeavors, Paulina finds joy in reading, nature, and the company of her pets.
Andreana Faucette
Andreana Faucette is a third-year student at UT studying Psychology and Spanish as part of the Liberal Arts Honors Scholars program, with a minor in Rhetoric and Writing. While at UT, she serves as president of the Black Honors Student Association and Senior Print Editor of SPARK Magazine. In her free time, she enjoys writing personal narratives and practicing ballet. In the long term, she hopes to go to law school and practice law while serving the immigrant community in which she grew up.