The Academy is dedicated to supporting and celebrating emerging leaders in the humanities. Named in honour of W.K Hancock, the first President of the Academy, the Hancock Lecture invites outstanding scholars at the earlier stages of their careers to talk about their work to a public audience.
Namesake & history
Emeritus Professor Sir (William) Keith Hancock KBE FAHA (1898—1988) was a Foundation Fellow and the first President of the Australian Academy of the Humanities. This lecture is made possible by a bequest from the estate of Sir Keith. The first Sir Keith Hancock Lecture was given by (then) Associate Professor Christine Alexander in 1993.
Since 1993 we’ve hosted the lecture almost every year.
The Australian Academy of the Humanities recognises Australia’s First Nations Peoples as the traditional owners and custodians of this land, and their continuous connection to country, community and culture.