New scholarship in ancient history
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Professor Alanna Nobbs |
Postgraduate students in ancient history at Macquarie University have the opportunity to spend three months in Israel through the newly established Sir Asher Joel Scholarship.
The late Sir Asher Joel was a prominent Sydney businessman and benefactor of Macquarie University. He was extremely interested in scholarship and antiquities and established a foundation to send students to dig in Israel. As it is becoming increasingly difficult for students to participate in a dig, Michael Joel, the son of Sir Asher, together with Macquarie Professors Christina Slade and Alanna Nobbs, came up with the idea of a new scholarship.
The Sir Asher Joel Scholarship for study in Israel in the areas of Biblical Hebrew, Early Judaism and the Archaeology of Israel, is available to Macquarie University ancient history postgraduates or recent postdoctoral researchers.
"I think the main aim of the scholarship is strengthening this area of study which has repercussions for Israel, one of the world's most critical areas," says Nobbs, Head of the Department of Ancient History. "On the personal side, it will assist in building links with academics on the other side of the world. Our students will be able to operate anywhere."
Applicants are required to submit a CV as well as an outline of their proposal. Following their visit to Israel, the successful applicant is also required to submit an article for publication with results and outcomes.
The inaugural scholarship winner
When awarding the inaugural scholarship, the selection panel of Slade, Nobbs, Joel and Dr Stephen Llewelyn looked at several factors, one of which was that the applicant had specific contacts in Israel. "We also looked at the benefit to Macquarie University, whether it would produce some spin off, language competence, and the maturity of the proposal and of the student," says Nobbs. "It had to be a well-rounded thing."
The short listed applicants for the inaugural scholarship were of such a high calibre that the selection panel found it difficult to choose between them. The good news for those who were unsuccessful is that they can reapply again this year. The scholarship, which was originally going to be awarded every second year, will now be offered on an annual basis due to the number and quality of the applicants. It includes $1600 towards airfare and a monthly stipend of $1000.
The 2006 recipient is Duncan Keenan who will undertake an archaeological study of the ancient aqueducts and other water systems of Israel with a particular focus on the Roman period. In recent years a number of new scientific techniques have been developed to help date aqueducts as well as to determine the source of water, function of the aqueduct and climate conditions.
Of particular interest for the modern world is the implication this research may have for the study of climate change. "I believe given the concern over climate change there is much we can learn from the ancient world," says Michael Joel.
Applications are due on 30 November each year. Consideration will be given to students who have not previously had the opportunity to study, conduct research or undertake archaeological digs in Israel.For further information contact Professor Alanna Nobbs at alanna.nobbs@mq.edu.au or Dr Stephen Llewelyn at Stephen.Llewelyn@humn.mq.edu.au To find out more about postgraduate ancient history study at Macquarie University, visit http://www.anchist.mq.edu.au/postgrad01.htm