Jacqueline Ross TOEFL^® Dissertation Award

The TOEFL Program at ETS is pleased to announce that applications for the Jacqueline Ross TOEFL Dissertation Award are now being accepted.

To recognize doctoral dissertation research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge about second or foreign-language tests and testing and/or the use and development of such tests and testing.

• $2,500 (U.S. dollars)
• Round-trip economy airfare, expenses and hotel accommodations for three nights at the Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), where the award is presented

To be considered for the award:

• The candidate's institution must have accepted the dissertation within 3 years before the date of the award application deadline.
• The research must have been completed as part of the requirements for a doctoral degree, or its equivalent, at an accredited university.
• Although the dissertation under consideration must be written in English, the research may be related to second- or foreign-language testing of any language.

Note: Candidates who have submitted an application for this award in previous years are not eligible.

• September 15, 2024 — Deadline for receipt of summary and abstract, letter from advisor and official proof of dissertation acceptance
• October 20, 2024 — Call to finalists to submit their dissertations
• November 8, 2024 — Deadline for receipt of dissertations
• January 31, 2025 — Selection of award recipient

Applicants must submit the following:

• A typed summary of the dissertation, not to exceed 5,000 words, including tables and figures, but excluding references. Submissions exceeding the word limit will not be considered.
  • The summary should include the following:
    • an abstract, not to exceed 150 words
    • brief descriptions of the theoretical background and rationale
    • purposes of the research
    • methods (including data analyses)
    • results (including tables and figures
    • implications of the results
    • references
  • The number of words for the summary and abstract should be clearly indicated. 
• Proof of acceptance of the dissertation by the candidate's university. Evidence of acceptance can include an official transcript from the university, the dissertation committee's signed acceptance form or a copy of the university diploma. Questions regarding proof of acceptance may be sent to TOEFLGrantsandAwards@ets.org.
• A completed application form (PDF).
• A completed, signed letter from the dissertation advisor or director, using the template form (Word)

Note: Materials should be submitted electronically to TOEFLGrantsandAwards@ets.org.

Proposals are evaluated by an independent panel of judges that does not include ETS staff. Evaluations are made according to the following criteria:

• Scholarly or professional significance to the field of second or foreign-language testing and/or test use and development
• Originality and creativity
• Technical quality
• Quality of presentation

Note: ETS and the TOEFL^® Committee of Examiners reserve the right to decline selection of a recipient should there be no suitable applicants.

For more information, email TOEFLGrantsandAwards@ets.org.