The National Archives of Australia (NAA), in partnership with the Australian Historical Association (AHA), is proud to announce the successful applicants for the 2021 NAA/AHA Postgraduate Scholarships.

The four scholarship recipients will undertake exciting, diverse and challenging research projects drawing on the national archival collection of Australian Government records.

Louise Thatcher, a PhD scholar from University of Potsdam, Germany aims to use the National Archives’ collection to explore the history of immigration control practices as they developed along the shipping routes between Australia and Germany between the turn of the 20th century and the interwar period.

Vashti Fox, a PhD scholar from University of Western Australia aims to trace continuity and change for her project “Never Again”: Antifascism in Post War Australia (1955 to 2018). Vashti’s research is unearthing valuable new stories and perspectives that are extremely valuable for thinking through the present moment.

Focusing on 20th century migration, Marcus James, a PhD scholar from Australian National University, will use archival records for his project Mechanics Fleeing Communism: the Russian Refugee Diaspora in Iran and its Resettlement in Australia, 1930 to1960.

PhD scholar from University of Adelaide Julian Kusabs will use support from the National Archives to research for his project A Comparative History of Citizenship Education for Māori, Aboriginal, and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Julian’s project will contribute to the creation of resources for educators implementing civics education that is inclusive.

National Archives Director-General David Fricker said, ‘Postgraduate history students are important users of the National Archives and we are so pleased to offer them our expertise and assistance through these scholarships.’

The National Archives will offer each of these students priority access to records, digitisation services and ongoing assistance from a designated reference officer.

Since their commencement in 2011, these scholarships have supported 38 Australian and international university students with their important historical research.