The Heritage Foundation has announced the winners of its third annual Freedom and Opportunity Academic Prizes. These awards recognize higher education professionals whose work aligns with conservative policy priorities. Winners receive between $15,000 and $20,000 for their contributions to research and education.
Heritage President Dr. Kevin Roberts expressed his congratulations to the recipients, stating: “The winners of Heritage’s Freedom and Opportunity Academic Prizes are on the front lines of the fight to reclaim American higher education from the grip of leftist orthodoxy. This is not just an academic battle—it’s a fight for the soul of our nation.”
Recipients include Erika Bachiochi from Arizona State University, Stephanie Barclay from Georgetown Law School, David Bernstein from George Mason University, Josh Blackman from South Texas College of Law Houston, Dr. Joshua Dunn from the University of Tennessee, Dr. Jesús Fernández-Villaverde from the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Byron Johnson from Baylor University, Julian Ku from Hofstra University, Dr. Mark Moyar from Hillsdale College, Dr. Clara Piano from the University of Mississippi, Dr. Tyler Ransom from the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Nathan Schlueter also from Hillsdale College, Dr. Colleen Sheehan again at Arizona State University, and John Yoo at UC Berkeley School of Law.
John Yoo commented on receiving his award: “I am honored to receive the Freedom and Opportunity Academic Prize from The Heritage Foundation… American universities should not just generate knowledge for its own sake; they should research the conditions that strengthen and expand freedom and opportunity in the United States and the world.”
Josh Blackman added: “I have been very fortunate to work with The Heritage Foundation for many years… I am honored to receive this academic prize.”
Prizewinners will use their awards to further economic freedom and related traditional American values. They will also participate in a Summer Colloquium and Workshop in Washington D.C.
