Peter with his award at the 2025 BISA conference in Belfast

Recognising excellence

International Relations professor, Peter Newell, is the proud recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Contribution Prize, awarded by the British International Studies Association (BISA).

The award, presented at BISA’s 2025 conference in Belfast, recognises his impact on International Relations and efforts in advancing environmental political economy research and driving action on climate change.

 “I am deeply honoured and delighted to receive this distinguished award which recognises the growing centrality of environmental issues in global politics and the critical importance of scholar activism in seeking to address them”, says Peter.

About the Prize

The Distinguished Contribution Prize acknowledges sustained contributions to the promotion of excellence in the discipline of International Studies over a substantial period of time.

It honours individuals who have made a broad and positive impact in the field through teaching, research, mentoring, leadership, and engagement, within their institution and the broader academic community, in the UK and beyond.

For over 30 years, Peter’s research has focussed on the politics and political economy of climate change and energy transitions. Peter has worked with, and for, numerous civil society organisations including playing a leading role in developing the idea behind the global campaign for a fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty.

The award committee stated: “The panel believed Peter Newell was particularly deserving of this honour given his myriad contributions to advancing scholarship on environmental political economy as well as leading policy and practice initiatives that seek to address the root causes of climate change.”

About BISA

The British International Studies Association is a learned society which promotes the study of International Relations and related subjects through teaching, research, and facilitation of contact between scholars.

Find out more about BISA and its annual prizes.