Merriman Award: Opportunity to win a fully funded trip to the UKSG Annual Conference, the NASIG Annual Conference and free access to any UKSG 2026 event!
Applications are invited for the John Merriman award to attend UKSG 49th Annual Conference in Glasgow, UK on 30 March-1 April 2026, and the NASIG 2026 Annual Conference which be held in Madison, Wisconsin, USA from 2- 4 June 2026 The award covers the conference fee, travel, and accommodation costs. You will also have free access to any UKSG event in 2026.
The Merriman Award is supported by the generous sponsorship of Taylor & Francis Group
Named in honour of John Merriman, in recognition of his work in founding both UKSG and NASIG, this prestigious award provides an invaluable opportunity for anyone keen to learn and share experiences from a different angle.
The award is open to UKSG members (are you a member? Find out)
Applicants should be in a role within a Library or Information Service with responsibility for managing online resources or in direct contact with library users, supporting them in the use of online resources.
Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found on the UKSG website: https://dub.sh/jVNqjXG
The closing date for applications is 15h February 2026
UKSG, set up in 1978, has a mission to connect the information community and encourage the exchange of ideas on scholarly communication.
You may also want to look at our other sponsored places awards, for early career professionals and under-represented communities – more details here: https://dub.sh/waarYbr
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Who can apply
The award is open to UKSG members (are you a member? Find out)
Applicants should be in a role within a Library or Information Service with responsibility for managing online resources or in direct contact with library users, supporting them in the use of online resources.
You can find terms and conditions as well as the marking criteria that will be used, here.
How to apply
All applicants must complete an online form. This form includes the following questions that will be considered by a panel of UKSG volunteers:
- Provide a short answer (250-400 words) on the topic of ‘what is the biggest challenge in your current job OR in the library sector right now, and how, in an ideal world, would you address it?’
- How will you use the NASIG and UKSG conferences to help with the challenge you outlined in question 1? (max. 200 words)
- How will you be able to contribute and participate during the conference? (max. 200 words)
- Describe how you will share, use and/or apply what you have learnt at the conference (max. 200 words)
Applicants will also be asked to provide the contact details of a referee. Referees will only be contacted if your application is successful.
Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of award to check eligibility and see how your application will be assessed.
Click here for the Application Form
Note that the closing date is the 15th February 2026.