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The Sigourney Award-2025: A Celebration of Psychoanalytic Innovation

The Sigourney Award-2025 has brought to light the extraordinary contributions of four trailblazers who have significantly advanced the field of psychoanalysis. Announced on November 11, 2025, the award celebrates innovative, cross-disciplinary work from Dana Amir, PhD, Calibán, Latin American Journal of Psychoanalysis, Siri Hustvedt, PhD, and ROOM: A Sketchbook for Analytic Action. Each recipient demonstrates a commitment to expanding psychoanalytic thought and principles, impacting societies both locally and globally.

The Vision Behind The Sigourney Award

Established by Mary Sigourney in 1989, The Sigourney Award aims to promote exceptional achievements in psychoanalysis that foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of the discipline. This year's recipients were selected by a distinguished panel of judges from a diverse range of submissions provided by experts from 11 countries. The award highlights the ongoing relevance of psychoanalysis in contemporary social discourse and its potential to impact societal well-being.

Award Recipients and Their Contributions

Dana Amir, PhD (Haifa, Israel)

Dr. Amir's work takes a profound look at the way trauma is expressed through language. Her innovative research explores the nuances of language as it relates to trauma, revealing how it can simultaneously act as both a symptom and a pathway to healing. By investigating the testimonies of both victims and perpetrators, Amir has identified key elements such as tone and rhythm that help map the complex interplay between dissociative and associative forces in therapeutic settings. Her findings are instrumental in fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse groups, particularly between Israelis and Palestinians.

Calibán, Latin American Journal of Psychoanalysis (Montevideo, Uruguay)

Calibán, the official journal of the Psychoanalytic Federation of Latin America (FEPAL), is celebrated for creating a rich platform for critical thinking and cultural exchange within the psychoanalytic community. With a dedicated team of approximately 80 volunteers from multiple countries, the journal promotes a collaborative atmosphere that engages with linguistic diversity and cultural perspectives. Now available in Spanish, Portuguese, and English, Calibán serves as a global resource that combines scientific research with popular discourse, reinforcing the relevance of psychoanalysis in current times.

Siri Hustvedt, PhD (New York, USA)

Siri Hustvedt's prolific body of work brings to life the intersections of psychoanalysis, literature, and cultural reflection. As an acclaimed author, her writings delve into topics like identity, gender, and the self, drawing from a rich heritage of psychoanalytic thought. Hustvedt's work has played a pivotal role in reinvigorating psychoanalysis within contemporary intellectual discussions, showing its adaptability and relevance in modern contexts. By challenging preconceived notions surrounding psychoanalysis, she demonstrates its profound implications for understanding the human experience.

ROOM: A Sketchbook for Analytic Action (New York, USA)

ROOM serves as a dynamic digital platform that connects psychoanalysis with pressing societal issues today. Through its diverse contributions, which include essays, creative writing, and art, ROOM provides unique insights that address social and political challenges. Initiated by Hattie Myers, PhD, the publication has expanded its reach beyond a simple journal format, producing various educational resources, films, and community projects. Its vision is to empower collective discourse on psychoanalysis and transform it into a vehicle for societal change.

A Collective Effort in Advancing Psychoanalysis

Michael J. Harrington, JD, Co-Trustee of The Sigourney Award Trust, noted that the combined accomplishments of this year's recipients exemplify the vision of their founder, showcasing how psychoanalytic work can tangibly benefit society. The interdisciplinary nature and innovative approaches adopted by the four honorees highlight an exciting renaissance within the field.

As we look forward to future awards, applications for The Sigourney Award-2026 will open on March 1, 2026. Those interested in learning more about the recipients and the impact of their work can visit www.sigourneyaward.org for summaries and additional information.

This year's anniversary represents not only the honoring of outstanding contributions but also an ongoing commitment to the transformative potential of psychoanalysis in understanding and enhancing the human condition. Stay engaged with The Sigourney Award on social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn (@SigourneyAward), X (@sigourney_the), and Bluesky (@sigourneyaward.bsky.social) for updates on future endeavors and achievements.