The Nine Dots Prize is a prize for creative thinking that tackles contemporary societal issues. Entrants are asked to respond to a question in 3,000 words, with the winner receiving US$100,000 to write a short book expanding on their ideas.
The aim of the Prize is to promote, encourage and engage innovative thinking to address problems facing the modern world. The name of the Prize references the nine dots puzzle – a lateral thinking puzzle which can only be solved by thinking outside the box.
The question for 2021/22 was: What does it mean to be young in an ageing world? The deadline for applications has now passed and the judging process is ongoing. The winner will be announced on Friday 28 May 2021.
Entrants must submit their 3,000-word response, an outline structure for their proposed book and a justification statement of their ability to complete the book in seven months via an online submission form.
The winner will be anonymously chosen by a Board of 12 internationally recognised and distinguished academics, authors, journalists and thinkers, chaired by Professor Simon Goldhill from the University of Cambridge.
Cambridge University Press will provide support and editorial assistance to the Prize winner, whose book will be published by the Press in May 2022. The book will also be made available in an open access format.
