The Allan Martin Award is a research fellowship intended to assist early-career historians further their research in Australian history.
The Award commemorates the contribution to Australian History of A. W. Martin (1926-2002), in particular his interest in and encouragement of students and younger colleagues over a lifetime of teaching and research. Allan Martin was a graduate of the University of Sydney and the Australian National University (ANU). He was a member of history departments at the Universities of Melbourne, Adelaide and the ANU, and at La Trobe University he was Foundation Professor of History (1966–73) and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities (1970 and 1971). In addition to many articles, chapters, and conference papers he wrote biographies of Henry Parkes and Robert Menzies.
Important Dates
Applications open: 21 August 2025
Intention to submit due: 30 September 2025
Applications close: 1 December 2025
The successful applicant will be announced at the 2026 AHA conference.
Terms and Conditions
Funding of up to $5000 is awarded every year to assist towards the expenses of a research trip undertaken in support of a project in Australian history. The research may be undertaken in Australia or overseas. Applicants are required to show how the research is essential to the completion of the project and how the findings will be subsequently published or otherwise made available to the public.
Funds must be spent within two years of the award and the award winner must, on the completion of the project, provide a report of at least one page, detailing the outcomes of the research, to the AHA.
Eligibility
The Allan Martin Award is available to all early career researchers up to five years following the conferral of their degree (taking into account any career breaks, such as parental leave).
Academic, professional, or public historians working in museums, war memorials, and other institutions are eligible.
Australian citizens, permanent residents or applicants with a current valid visa are eligible.
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.
Past recipients cannot reapply.
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 should include a detailed budget for up to $5000 and a two page summary of the submitted research project, its significance and the place of the proposed research trip or associated research measures within it.
Written evidence of publishers’ or other sponsors’ willingness to support the project, including with other projected costs, will be considered favourably.
Completed applications should be sent to the AHA Executive Officer by the application deadline.
Judging
Applications will be judged by a panel of three comprising two members appointed by the AHA and one appointed by the Head of the ANU School of History.
No feedback will be given on applications. Judges’ decisions are final.