Outstanding Student Thesis Award
Presented by the Research Committee
Honoring exceptional master’s theses and doctoral dissertations that advance the science, engineering, and practice of masonry.
Deadline
July 1
Presented at the TMS Annual Meeting
About the Award
Recognizing research that shapes the future of masonry.
Each year, The Masonry Society’s Research Committee honors exceptional student research that advances masonry.
The Outstanding Student Thesis Awards recognize the most impactful master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation demonstrating innovation and technical excellence. Winners are recognized at the TMS Annual Meeting.
Since its establishment, the award has distinguished work from leading programs across North America, Europe, and beyond.
TMS has recognized outstanding student research since 1992, supporting the field’s most promising scholars and their advisors.
30+
years
60+
papers awarded
2
awards annually
Who Can Apply
Outstanding Master’s Thesis Award
Eligible completion window:
June 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026
Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award
Eligible completion window:
June 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026
Submission & Review Process
By July 1
Submit
Upload your thesis as a single PDF through the submission form.
Summer
Review
The Research Committee evaluates submissions for innovation and technical merit.
Early Fall
Selection
Award recipients are notified and invited to the TMS Annual Meeting.
Fall Meeting
Award
Awards are formally presented and winners recognized across TMS channels.
Submission
Follow the steps below to enter your master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation for consideration.
Verify your completion date falls within the current award window and that your work addresses a masonry-related topic.
Combine your full thesis into a single PDF file no larger than 100 MB. Ensure a master’s report is publicly referenceable.
Upload through the submission form. Eligible late submissions will roll over to the following award cycle.
You’ll receive an email confirmation. Award recipients are notified in early fall ahead of the TMS Annual Meeting.
Submit Your Thesis
Upload a single PDF through the form below. If you’re unable to access the form, please contact the email below.
| Format | |
| Max Size | 100 MB |
| Deadline | July 1st |
| Questions | info@masonrysociety.org |
Recent Awards
Doctoral Dissertation
Experimental Evaluation of the Static and Dynamic Out-of-Plane Response of Block-Type Masonry Structures
Carla Colombo
University of Minho
Under the direction of Paulo B. Lourenço
Master’s Thesis
Tensile Characterisation of Mortar and Bricks for Masonry Construction
Katherine Wishewan
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya
Under the direction of Luca Pelà and Albert Cabanè
Doctoral Dissertation
Experimental Methods for Investigating the Effects of Soil Settlements and Vibrations in Cultural Heritage Buildings, Induced by Underground Structures
Georgios Karanikoloudis
University of Minho Institution, ISISE Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering
Under the direction of Paulo B. Lourenço
Master’s Thesis
Comprehensive Taxonomy of Structural Failures Triggering Progressive Collapse of Masonry Arch Bridges
Aristeidis Dalianis
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – Barcelona Tech
Under the direction of Dr. Larisa Garcia-Ramonda Estevez
Doctoral Dissertation
Structural Behaviour of Masonry Arches on Moving Supports: from On-Site Observation to Experimental and Numerical Analysis
Chiara Ferrero
University of Genoa
Under the direction of Dr. Chiara Calderini and Dr. Pere Roca
Master’s Thesis
None Awarded