NIPA Award 2026

The NIPA Award 2026 recognises original thinking and high quality analysis in the field of national infrastructure planning. Open to post graduate students undertaking accredited planning courses, the Award seeks to encourage informed debate and new perspectives on the delivery of vital national infrastructure in the UK.

Entrants are invited to respond to one of three set questions addressing key contemporary challenges, including delivering meaningful community benefits, improving efficiency through digital tools, and supporting decarbonisation and climate resilience. Submissions should demonstrate critical thinking, sound evidence and practical insight relevant to the planning and delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects.

The Award offers prize money of up to £1,500, with shortlisted entrants invited to present their work to the NIPA Leadership. All prize winners and shortlisted candidates will also be invited to attend the NIPA Annual Conference 2026, providing a valuable opportunity to engage with experienced practitioners across the public and private sectors.

Key Information

• First prize: £1,500
• Submission length: 1,500 words
• Eligibility: Post graduate students at accredited planning schools (academic year 2025/26)
• Submission deadline: 30 April 2026, 5.00pm
• Awards presentation: NIPA Annual Conference, 6 July 2026

The NIPA Award provides an opportunity for the next generation of planning professionals to contribute to the development of best practice in national infrastructure planning and to engage directly with those shaping the system.

The Award is open to: Post-graduates attending accredited planning schools in the academic year 2025/6.

Further information is available here: NIPA Award 2025_FinalforUni_V2(161514918.1)