The Serle Award is given to the best postgraduate thesis in Australian history.
The Award is a biennial prize to commemorate the contribution to Australian History of Dr Geoffrey Serle (1922–1998). Geoffrey Serle was Lecturer in History at the University of Melbourne (1951–60), Senior Lecturer and Reader in History at Monash University (1961–63), and General Editor of the Australian Dictionary of Biography (1975–88). The Award has been established through the generosity of Mrs Jessie Serle.
The 2026 Serle Award will be awarded for a thesis passed in the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2025.
Important Dates
Applications open: 21 August 2025
Intention to submit due: 30 September 2025
Applications close: 31 January 2026
The successful applicant will be announced at the 2026 AHA conference.
Terms and Conditions
The Award of $2,500 is presented biennially at the AHA Conference.
The Award is to be used to assist in the transformation of the thesis into a book. For example, it can be used as a publishing subsidy or to subsidise other costs associated with publication, such as the cost of carrying out extra research, funding permissions, copyright fees or illustrations but these examples are not exhaustive.
The Award money is to be spent within 12 months following acceptance of the award and a report must be submitted to the President of the AHA. The final publication must make appropriate acknowledgement of the Australian Historical Association and the Serle Award.
Eligibility
Australian citizens, permanent residents or applicants with a current and valid visa are eligible.
The nominated postgraduate thesis must have passed in the two years prior to the year of the Award.
The thesis must not be published as a book prior to the Award being made.
Applicants must be current 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.
Applications must include a statement confirming the nature of the work’s contribution to the knowledge and understanding of Australian history.
Application forms must be accompanied by copies of examiners’ reports, and a budget showing how the money will be spent.
Applicants may also be asked, subsequently, to supply a complete digital copy of the thesis.
Completed applications should be sent to the AHA Executive Officer by the application deadline.
Judging
A panel of judges will be appointed by the AHA Executive Committee.
No feedback will be given on applications. Judges’ decisions are final.