Distinguished University Professor Janet Box-Steffensmeier has been named the 2026 recipient of The Ohio State University's Pierre Agostini Prize, the institution's most prestigious award for scholarly and artistic achievement. The award recognizes faculty whose research or creative work is considered transformative, world-class, and worthy of national or international distinction. In announcing the award, university officials highlighted her influential research, exceptional mentorship, and dedicated service to the university and her profession. 

Box-Steffensmeier, the Vernal Riffe Professor of Political Science and a professor of sociology, is internationally recognized as a leading scholar of American politics and political methodology. Over a career spanning more than three decades, her research has fundamentally shaped how social scientists study political behavior, institutions, elections, and public opinion. By bridging political science with mathematics and statistics, Box-Steffensmeier has played a pivotal role in the development of modern social science research.

In addition to her research accomplishments, Box-Steffensmeier has held numerous leadership roles within the discipline, including serving as president of the American Political Science Association. She is a fellow of the Society for Political Methodology, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 

Named for Nobel Prize-winning physicist and Ohio State Professor Emeritus Pierre Agostini, the award celebrates faculty whose work has achieved the highest levels of scholarly distinction and influence.

Reflecting on her career and the significance of the recognition, Box-Steffensmeier recently shared her thoughts in a video produced by Ohio State Research. Viewers can hear her discuss her academic journey, her passion for research and what receiving the Pierre Agostini Prize means to her. [youtube.com]