Who to Thank in Your Acknowledgements

The order of who you thank in your acknowledgements generally begins with the most formal or academic relationships (advisors) and ends with the least formal (family and friends).

If you’re debating the inclusion of someone on account of a strained relationship, err on the side of including them. Especially if this is your supervisor! Relationships change, and omissions can be glaring.

If you’re debating the inclusion of someone because you’re unsure their contribution was significant enough, if they provided you with specific information, consider including them in a footnote instead.

As always, check your university guidelines. You can also download sample dissertations from your department.

Who to Consider Thanking

This list is meant to jog your memory so you don’t miss someone you may have liked to thank. It’s not prescriptive.

• Supervisors
• Committee members
• Colleagues
• Those who may have helped you with your application to the program
• Archivists
• Librarians
• Technicians
• Administrators (perhaps someone facilitating your research ethics application was exceptionally helpful)
• Institutions
• Research participants
• Copy editors
• Proofreaders 
• Funding bodies
• Those who may have helped you write funding applications
• Friends and family

Key Words

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Let me know if you end up thanking someone I haven’t listed here that you think others may wish to thank as well!