Announcements
17 April 2025
Encyclopedia 2024 Outstanding Contributor Award—Winners Announced

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Original Submission Date Received: .
We are thrilled to announce the Encyclopedia 2024 Outstanding Contributor Award winners. The award has been granted to the following researchers:
Name: Dr. Michele Filippo Fontefrancesco
Affiliations: 1 Catholic University of Sacred Hearth, Italy; 2 Durham University, UK
Name: Dr. Ioannis Passas
Affiliation: Hellenic Mediterranean University, Greece
As awardees, they will each receive CHF 300 (Swiss francs), a certificate, and an opportunity to publish one paper free of charge in the Encyclopedia journal before 31 December 2025, following peer review.
Testimonials from the winners:
Dr. Michele Filippo Fontefrancesco:
“I am honored to receive the Outstanding Contribution Award from Encyclopedia. This recognition holds special significance for me, both personally and professionally, as it expresses the recognition of the contribution given to the growth of a young international journal.
Publishing with Encyclopedia has offered me a unique opportunity to communicate complex anthropological and social science topics in accessible ways and reach audiences far beyond my normal space in academia. As a researcher committed to bridging knowledge and action, I deeply appreciate the journal’s commitment to high-quality, open access publishing and its support in shaping content that resonates with scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike.
In my experience, the professionalism of the Encyclopedia’s editorial team, from peer review to publication and video production, is outstanding. As an Editorial Board Member and contributor, I see Encyclopedia as a platform where scientific rigor meets public engagement—an essential frontier for researchers today.
This award strengthens my motivation to continue contributing, mentoring, and fostering a culture of inclusive and innovative science communication. Thank you for this meaningful acknowledgment.”
Dr. Ioannis Passas:
“Receiving the Encyclopedia Outstanding Contributor Award 2024 is a true honor. What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is the journal’s wide-reaching, interdisciplinary nature. Few academic platforms today manage to bring together so many diverse fields under one roof while maintaining high standards and clear editorial direction. Being part of such an ecosystem—where knowledge moves across disciplines and formats—is both intellectually fulfilling and professionally valuable.
This award acknowledges more than a single contribution; it reflects a collaborative process involving editors, reviewers, and technical staff who treat each submission with care and respect. I’m especially grateful for the chance to share ideas in both written and audiovisual forms, as this has expanded the impact of my work far beyond traditional academic circles.
I appreciate this recognition deeply and look forward to continuing my involvement with Encyclopedia, supporting its mission to foster open, informed, and inclusive scholarly dialogue.”
We extend our sincere gratitude to all applicants for their outstanding contributions. The evaluation process and subsequent decision proved to be challenging. On behalf of the award evaluation committee, we congratulate the winners on their remarkable achievements.
Encyclopedia Editorial Office