Besides being pioneers in the field of interdisciplinary humor research, Don and Alleen Nilsen are distinguished founders of the International Society for Humor Studies. The couple of Emeritus Professors at the Arizona State University authored many books and articles and still prepare powerpoints synthesizing topics of various branches of humor studies that are kindly sent on a weekly basis to all members of the ISHS.
The Don and Alleen Nilsen Young Scholars Awards (DANYS) aims to inspire young scholars to prepare high quality presentations for the annual ISHS Conferences. The judges look for such qualities as originality, value to the field of humor studies, accuracy of information, and skill in presentation.
In order to be eligible to the award, you must:
• be an ISHS student member working toward a masters or doctoral degree
• register for and attend the 2026 ISHS Conference
• submit an independently written conference paper (papers co-authored by an advisor are ineligible)
Please email all documents in a single file to humorstudies@midia.uff.br with “Student Awards” as the subject line:
• an application letter that you are competing for the DANYS Award and a description of your research program within humor studies
• a curriculum vitae
• a completed conference paper plus abstract by May 30, 2026