Call for Submissions: Enter Sage's 2026 Critical Thinking Challenge

In an era of misinformation, algorithm-curated news, and viral AI-generated media, critical thinking has become increasingly important.  That’s why Sage is launching the 2026 Critical Thinking Challenge, an initiative that spotlights creative, practical approaches to strengthening critical thinking in higher education.   

 

We invite professors, researchers, and academic librarians to submit their ideas to drive meaningful change in classrooms, academic libraries, and learning communities everywhere.  

 

What We’re Looking For  

 

Submissions should respond to one of the following prompts:  

• What creative approach would you propose to make critical thinking an everyday habit in education?  

• What’s missing in the way critical thinking is taught, and what could be done differently?  

• If you could change one thing about how critical thinking is taught, what would it be, and how would it work?  

• What is the library’s role in promoting information literacy and critical thinking?  

We welcome submissions that include concrete classroom activities, assessment designs, library programming, or faculty/development models.  

 

Submission Format  

 

One blog-style entry (~750 words) submitted as a proposed post for Social Science Space.  

Submissions should clearly outline:  

• the challenge you’re addressing  

• your proposed solution  

• the practical impact for learners, educators, or library communities  

 

Awards  

 

1st place: $2,000   

2nd and 3rd place: $500 each  

 

Award funds must be used exclusively to support research projects or academic library needs. Acceptable uses include (but are not limited to):  

• Research materials, datasets, books, or software  

• Costs associated with designing, piloting, or assessing educational or information-literacy initiatives  

• Library programming, resource development, or instructional support  

• Student or graduate-assistant support tied directly to the project  

• Professional development or training that directly advances the proposed work  

Funds may not be used for personal compensation, unrelated travel, or non-project purchases.  

 

How to Submit  

 

Send your entry to Jonathan.Fugger@sagepub.com with the subject line: Critical Thinking Challenge Submission – [Your Name]  

Submission deadline: March 6^th, 2026  

Notification date: March 23^rd, 2026  

Publication timeline: April 1^{st –}April 30^th, 2026  

 

Please include:  

• Your name and institution  

• Your role (professor, researcher, librarian, etc.)  

• Your 750word blog post (attached or pasted into the email)  

 

Please find a full list of judging criteria and FAQ on this webpage.