The Gerhart Niemeyer Award for Distinguished Contributions to Scholarship in the Liberal Arts recognizes those men and women of letters whose influence engenders a new appreciation for the humanities and our culture. In the spirit of ISI's mission, "to educate for liberty," the significant work of these individuals ensures an appreciation of ordered liberty among our nation's young people.

The award is named in honor of renowned political scientist and ISI faculty member, the late Dr. Gerhart Niemeyer. A recipient of ISI's Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Niemeyer taught for many years at the University of Notre Dame, was a frequent contributor to ISI publications and programs, and one of ISI Books's first authors.