The Norwood R. Hanson Prize for outstanding graduate student papers is awarded annually by the department faculty. Students are encouraged to submit their work to the director of graduate studies by April 1. The prize recipients give a lecture in the department's colloquium series.

Prize winners:

• 2021-22 Dan Li
• 2020-21 Becca Jackson & Elana Rakoff
• 2019-20 Evan Arnet
• 2018-19 Ali Mirza
• 2017-18 Meagan Allen
• 2016-17 Chris ChoGlueck
• 2013-14 Joel Klein
• 2012-13 Shane Zappettini
• 2011-12 Allen Shotwell
• 2010-11 Jun Otsuka
• 2009-10 Steve Lawrie
• 2008-09 Cesare Pastorino
• 2007-08 Matthew Dunn
• 2006-07 Evan Ragland
• 2005-06 no award
• 2004-05 Melinda Fagan
• 2003-04 no award
• 2002-03 Zachary Jenkins, Mary Domski
• 2001-02 Kevin Grau, Rasmus Winther
• 2000-01 Scott Tanona
• 1999-2000 Darrel Rutkin, Nicole Howard
• 1998-99 Eric Winsberg
• 1997-98 Judith Johns