The SSP EPIC Awards are a prestigious celebration of Excellence in Publishing, Information Technology, and Communications. This program recognizes outstanding achievements in publications, marketing, media, tools and products, and visionary initiatives within the scholarly community. Open to both member and non-member organizations, the awards program highlights the dedication and innovation that are advancing the industry.
Entries for the 2027 EPIC Awards open in September.
A panel of industry professionals evaluates the submissions to identify the top two contributions in each category. The winning entries represent the highest standards in scholarly publishing and communications, showcasing exceptional work that is shaping the field today. We are also proud to acknowledge student-led publications that emphasize the voices of the future in the industry.
Categories
Tools/Products
These awards recognize an outstanding product/service/feature launch or substantial relaunch of an existing product/service/feature that provides a service or adds value at any point in the publication lifecycle. Tools and products in the scholarly publishing workflow refer to the software, platforms, applications, and technological solutions that facilitate and enhance various stages of the publishing process.
Submission System
Hosting Platforms
Author Tools
Integrity Tools
Other Tools/Products
Publications
These awards recognize outstanding writing, content, design, consistency, reader experience, and overall packaging of print or digital journals, books, short-form content, magazines, and reports. These publications are intended to share original research, review existing knowledge, or provide critical analysis on specific topics written by experts in academic or professional fields and evaluated by other experts before publication to ensure quality and credibility. The audience includes those who understand specialized knowledge of the profession or industry, or teach the material to students or the interested public.
Journals
Books
Short Form Content
Magazines
Reports
Student Journal – Research
Student Journal – Literary
Marketing
These awards recognize strategic, well-coordinated efforts and outstanding writing, content, design, and social media for digital and print sales, marketing and communication materials, and campaigns. This includes social presence, branding, and content marketing in the scholarly publishing field, across single or multiple channels, intended to effectively promote scholarly communication or to support tools and services.
Campaigns
Social Presence
Branding
Media Kit/Collateral
Student Publication Marketing Campaign
Media
These awards recognize outstanding original promotional or informative audiovisual content, whether standalone or supporting a more significant publication or service in the scholarly publishing field, intended to illustrate a concept. The goal is to celebrate creativity, technical skill, and the effectiveness of these media projects in engaging audiences and enhancing the dissemination of scholarly knowledge.
Video/Film
Podcast
Data Visualization
Media Kit/Collateral
Narrative/Multidisciplinary Digital Projects
Student Publication Media Project
Initiatives
These awards recognize outstanding efforts in implementing social initiatives and providing training programs within scholarly publishing and adjacent communities. These initiatives are designed to create a positive impact, foster inclusive environments, and equip individuals with skills and knowledge about scholarly publishing or the publishing process. The goal is to celebrate impactful, innovative, and practical initiatives that contribute to improving the scholarly publishing community and society.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Implementation
Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, or Accessibility (DEIA) Initiatives
Publishing Education and Training Initiatives
Student Publication Continuity Plan
See full category descriptions, eligibilty requirements, and submission guidelines in our awards portal.
Entry Guidelines
Deadlines & Notification
Entries are accepted annually, with the submission deadline typically occurring in December.
Finalists in each category are typically notified of their status in early spring.
Finalists will receive a media kit to help promote their award once winners are publicly announced. Finalists are asked to keep their status confidential until the official public announcement by SSP.
All other entrants will be notified of their status shortly after the finalist announcements.
Award winner rankings are announced annually at the EPIC Awards Celebration held during the SSP Annual Meeting.
Eligibility
The eligibility period for entries is based on an annual cycle as follows:
Publications, Marketing, and Media: Entries must have been produced or released within the preceding calendar year.
Tools/Products and Initiatives: Entries must have been developed or launched within the three years prior to the submission deadline.
There is no limit on the number of entries an organization may submit, and organizations may submit more than one entry per category.
All entry materials must be in English. If the original work was not in English, a translation should be provided for the text in the material(s).
See full entry guidelines in our awards portal.
Become a Judge
Judges play a crucial role in the success of our awards program. The peer-review judging process guarantees that the selected work meets high standards of quality and excellence. Judging carries significant responsibility, as it can have lasting impacts on both the scholarly community and society at large. By recognizing and rewarding high-quality work, judges help establish benchmarks for excellence in the scholarly publishing industry.
We are seeking judges from across the scholarly publishing ecosystem. Both members and non-members are welcome to participate. SSP invites diverse perspectives and expertise to carefully examine and evaluate submissions, ensuring the program’s integrity. All submissions and judging will be conducted in English.
Join the Celebration!
Join us for the EPIC Awards Celebration, where we announce and honor winners at a premier event dedicated to celebrating excellence, innovation, and impact in scholarly publishing, information technology, and communications. This celebration coincides with the SSP Annual Meeting and brings together industry leaders, innovators, and emerging voices for an evening of recognition, inspiration, and appreciation. Celebrate those driving the industry forward and connect with the trailblazers in our community! Tickets are available with Annual Meeting registration.
Explore the EPIC Awards photo gallery to view moments from the event.
