2025 Berggruen Prize Essay Competition
Consciousness
Now Accepting Submissions
The Berggruen Institute invites you to participate in the 2025 Berggruen Prize Essay Competition — a unique opportunity to contribute to global philosophical and cultural discourse while competing for a $50,000 USD prize.
This annual competition seeks to foster groundbreaking ideas and embrace diverse perspectives across cultures, disciplines, and geographies. Inspired by the pivotal role essays have played in shaping intellectual thought—such as Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s seminal win at the Académie de Dijon in 1750—this competition aspires to serve as a modern-day platform for intellectual innovation.
Competition Highlights
- Prize: $50,000 USD
- Languages: Open to essays in English and Chinese.
- 2025 Theme: Consciousness. The nature of consciousness has enthralled philosophers for millennia. We seek original essays that offer fresh perspectives from all traditions and disciplines.
- Deadline: July 31, 2025
By entering the Berggruen Prize Essay Competition, you are not only competing for a prestigious award but also contributing to a global conversation on the fundamental philosophical questions that shape our contemporary life and future. Winners will be celebrated at an award ceremony. Winning essays will be published via our award-winning publication channels, offering insightful perspectives from both East and West to a worldwide audience.
How to Participate:
Read the submission guidelines, eligibility criteria and submit your essay here.
Additionally, we would be grateful if you could help us spread the word. Share this email and our social media posts with friends, colleagues, and anyone in your network who might be interested in contributing their ideas to this vibrant dialogue.
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Together, let’s build a community of thinkers and innovators. Your contribution is essential to enriching this exciting conversation.
Sincerely,
Berggruen Institute
