The Jill Roe Prize is awarded annually for the best unpublished article-length work of historical research in any area of historical enquiry produced by a postgraduate student.
The Prize honours the career of Professor Emerita Jill Roe (1940–2017), an eminent and much-loved Australian historian who made a very significant contribution to the writing, teaching and public communication of history in Australia and abroad.
From 2025 onward, the Jill Roe Prize will be funded by donations to the AHA’s Public Fund, which supports the creation, publication, dissemination and discussion of historical literature in Australia.
The next Jill Roe Prize will be awarded in July 2025.
Applications are open now, and will close on 31 March 2025.
Terms and conditions
The Award will be awarded annually for the best unpublished article-length work (5,000-8,000 words, including footnotes) of historical research in any area of historical enquiry produced by a postgraduate student.
The Award will consist of a cash payment of $500 and a citation, presented annually at the AHA national conference.
In addition to the Prize the winning entry will be considered for publication in History Australia – the journal of the Australian Historical Association. At the time of submission, the article must not be under review by any journal other than History Australia.
Eligibility
Applicants must be enrolled for a higher degree (Masters or PhD) at an Australian university.
Australian citizens (including those residing overseas), permanent residents, or applicants with a current and valid Australian visa are eligible for the prize.
Applicants must be members of the AHA at the time of application.
Current members of the AHA Executive Committee and AHA Public Fund Committee are ineligible to apply for this award.
Applications
Applicants will be required to provide
- a digital copy of their work
- a completed application form that contains a statement from the author confirming the originality of the work
Applications should be emailed to the Administrative Officer at executive@theaha.org.au. The closing date for applications is 31 March each year.
Selection process
The Jill Roe Prize will be administered by a judging panel appointed by the AHA, consisting of a Chair selected by the AHA Executive, and two historians. The decision of the panel will be final.