Description

The Lowell Aptman Prizes (formerly known as the Durden Prize) recognizes undergraduates’ excellence in research, including their analysis, evaluation and synthesis of sources, and encourages students to make use of the general library collections and services at Duke University. 

The Aptman Prizes will be awarded annually in three categories:

• one prize for first- and second-year students
• one prize for third- and fourth-year students
• one prize for fourth-year students submitting honors theses

Any student who uses library resources to complete a paper and project as part of his or her undergraduate coursework at Duke may be considered for an Aptman Prize. Each prize carries a $1000 cash award.

Selection Criteria

Papers shall be judged based on students’ effective use of library resources and research procedures, as evidenced by the following:

• sophistication, originality, or unusual depth or breadth in the use of library collections, including, but not limited to, printed resources, databases, primary sources, and materials in all media
• exceptional ability to locate, select, evaluate and synthesize library resources and then use and cite them in the creation of a project in any media that shows originality and/or has the potential to lead to original research in the future
• significant personal learning and the development of a habit of research and inquiry that shows that student has acquired information literacy skills that will serve him/her well in the future

Application Guidelines

Please see the Application Guidelines for more information about how to submit your research for consideration.

Research Essay Guidelines

Please see the Research Essay Guidelines for more information about developing your essay for this prize.