HxA is not only committed to measuring and analyzing the challenges institutions of higher learning face with regards to open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement, but also to identifying and facilitating pathways to overcoming those challenges.

The Open Inquiry Awards highlight some of the individuals, groups, and institutions who do exemplary work promoting open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement — providing models that others can learn from, be inspired by, and perhaps even emulate.

In 2018, 2019, and 2020, recipients of the Awards were nominated by members of Heterodox Academy and independently reviewed by members of HxA’s Open Inquiry Awards Committee, who then developed a short list of up to three candidates for each category. The short lists were presented to HxA’s staff, Advisory Committee and Board of Directors — all of whom voted to select the winner for each award.

The 2022 Open Inquiry Awards will be awarded at the discretion of HxA’s inaugural president, John Tomasi.

Awardees

Award Categories

Institutional Excellence Award: For the college or university – or center or institute operating as part of a college or university – that has done the most to advance or sustain open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement either on its own campus or nationally.

Leadership Award: For the person who has most effectively championed the principles of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement in the academy and beyond.

Courage Award: For the person who has demonstrated consistent courage in pursuing truth, and embodies bravery in championing the principles of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement in the academy despite social and professional costs.

Exceptional Scholarship Award: For the academic(s) who, through research or another form of scholarship, has best advanced knowledge of open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, or constructive disagreement.

Outstanding Student or Student Group Award: Given to undergraduate or graduate students (or student groups) who have made vital and durable contributions to open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement on their campus.

Teaching Award: For the educator(s) who has most effectively integrated open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, or constructive disagreement into the classroom and/or curriculum.

Questions? Email oia@heterodoxacademy.org