The Bencie Woll Prize for Linguistic Research on British Sign Language

Signer 1 (black top, long wavy hair)

A woman with long, loose blonde waves. She’s wearing a black short-sleeved top and a pink smartwatch. She stands centred against the same navy backdrop, with the UCL logo and geometric pattern along the bottom.

Signer 2 (purple jumper)

A woman with medium-length dark brown hair styled in loose waves. She’s wearing a purple ribbed jumper and patterned trousers.

Signer 3 (black polo shirt)

A white man with short light-brown hair and transparent glasses with a slight purple-blue tint. He’s wearing a black short-sleeved polo shirt with white and red trim on the collar and sleeves, plus a black smartwatch.

Hello! We are currently accepting applications for Bencie Woll Prize. This prize celebrate research on British Sign Language. Are you an early career researcher with a paper or book published in the last two years? Please apply now! We especially encourage you to submit your work. The prize amount is £500, and the winner will be invited to present their work at DCAL.

Deadline to apply: Monday 8th December 2025

To be considered, applicants should meet the following criteria:

1. The research should focus primarily on BSL.
2. The work should be published in a peer-reviewed journal, authored book or book chapter.
3. The publication should have appeared within the last two years.
4. Applicants should be the first or sole author.
5. Applicants should be early-career researchers, typically before a permanent academic position. We recognise that career paths vary and are happy to consider individual circumstances.
6. Deaf researchers are strongly encouraged to apply.

A PhD is not required. We welcome applications from those with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree as long as the research meets the above criteria.

Please send your CV, a 500-word explanation of your research, and a link to your publication.

Please apply now by emailing dcal@ucl.ac.uk We are looking forward to receiving your applications.