The School of Politics and International Relations (SPIR) is proud to share that Professor Ian McAllister has been awarded the 2025 Helen Dinerman Award by the World Association for Public Opinion Research (WAPOR).

The Dinerman Award is WAPOR’s highest honour, recognising exceptional contributions to the field of public opinion research. Since its inception in 1981, this award has celebrated scholars whose work has significantly advanced survey research methodology. Professor McAllister is the first Australian to receive this accolade, marking a historic milestone for both Australian and comparative political research.

A world-leading scholar in electoral studies, political behaviour, and democratic attitudes, Professor McAllister is best known as the long-time Director of the Australian Election Study (AES), one of the most respected longitudinal survey programs globally. His work has provided critical insights into how public opinion shifts over time in response to political and social change.

He has also played a key role in the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems (CSES), contributing to a deeper international understanding of voting behaviour and democratic legitimacy. His career exemplifies the Dinerman Award’s core values: methodological excellence, international collaboration, and a deep commitment to democratic inquiry.

This recognition highlights Professor McAllister’s profound impact on the discipline and the generations of researchers he has mentored. We congratulate him on this outstanding achievement and on bringing global recognition to SPIR and Australian public opinion research.

More about the Helen Dinerman Award: WAPOR Awards
More about WAPOR 2025 Conference Awards recipients - WAPOR 2025 Conference Awards