The Kay Daniels Award is a biennial prize recognising outstanding original research with a bearing on Australian convict history and heritage including in its international context. In accordance with Kay Daniels’ values, it is to be an international award.
The Award honours the contribution to the study and writing of history in Australia of Dr Kay Daniels. Kay Daniels (1941–2001) taught at the University of Tasmania from 1967 to 1987 and subsequently served with distinction in the Commonwealth Public Service, Canberra, in the areas of cultural policy and intellectual property rights.
This Award is sponsored by members and associates of the Australian Historical Association, the University of Tasmania and the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority.
Important Dates
Applications open: 21 August 2025
Intention to submit due: 1 December 2025
Applications close: 31 January 2026
The successful applicant will be announced at the 2026 AHA conference.
Terms and Conditions
The Kay Daniels Award is a biennial award. It consists of a cash prize of $1500 and a citation, presented at every second AHA Conference.
Submitted works must have appeared in print in the three years preceding the year of the award.
Eligible entries will be in the form of published work, either a monograph, a series of related journal articles or, in the case of heritage studies, a substantial consultant’s report.
Eligibility
Applicants must be financial members of the AHA at the time of application.
Current members of the AHA Executive Committee are ineligible to apply for this Award.
Applications
An intention to submit email should be sent to the AHA Executive Officer by 30 September 2025.
Applicants are required to complete the application form.
Applicants should send three copies of the nominated work to PO Box 1550 Macquarie Centre NSW 2113.
The AHA strives to conduct its activities sustainably. Please note that, subject to the preference of the judging panel, this prize may require digital submissions, hard copy submissions, or a combination thereof, in order to reduce its environmental impact.
Completed applications should be sent to the AHA Executive Officer by the application deadline.
Judging
The Kay Daniels Award will be administered by a judging panel appointed by the AHA to consist of one representative each from the University of Tasmania, Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority (PAHSMA) and the AHA.
No feedback will be given on applications. Judges’ decisions are final.