The Michael H. Agar “Lively Science” Award This annual award will be given by a subcommittee of the editorial board of Qualitative Health Research. It will be awarded to the authors of the most innovative applied research article appearing each year in the journal beginning with the 2016 volume year. Articles will be reviewed and selected each year by this award committee. No application for the award is necessary. Michael H. Agar was a well-known applied anthropologist who served many years on the editorial board of Qualitative Health Research. His work ranged widely across anthropology, linguistics, qualitative methods, social theory, cognitive science, and in many applied social and health research domains. His work was characterized by innovation, risk-taking, and offering provocative critique and creative solutions to real-world problems through the power of social research. His book, The Lively Science, passionately argued for the value of research in addressing societal problems. Michael passed away from a progressive neuromuscular disorder on May 20, 2017. The award honors the spirit of Mike’s work and urges that spirit on in other researchers. Criteria: • Published article in an issue of Qualitative Health Research • Article addresses a key health policy, health services, or applied health research problem • Article provides innovative use of social theory and qualitative methods toward understanding the problem • Article provides provocative, creative, and critical discussions on the issues underlying the problem and directed toward the public good • Preference given to the work of less established scholars • Article written in evocative, engaging style