In memory of our Fellows

Our Fellows have contributed extensively to the rich Australian humanities community. When an Academy Fellow dies, we honour their impact by publishing an obituary by another Fellow who has had a long and close association with them.

Emeritus Professor Alan Frost FAHA FRHistS was one of Australia’s foremost historians of the origins and early history of Australia as a European settlement, with a particular focus on maritime history. John Gascoigne FAHA reflects on his contribution to the field of Australian history. Download a PDF version here.

Professor Michael Stocker FAHA was one of the most significant scholars concerned with ethics, moral psychology and the emotions in the latter part of last century. Born in the United States of America, he held positions at La Trobe and Macquarie University before returning to America. He held the Irwin and Marjorie Guttag Chair of Moral and Political Philosophy at Syracuse from 1989 until his retirement. Read a PDF version here.

A scholar of Chinese Studies, Mark Elvin FAHA was a highly respected scholar and author of ‘The Pattern of the Chinese Past’ which is deemed as a foremost publication of pre-modern China. Professor Antonia Finnane FAHA (University of Melbourne) reflects on Professor Elvin’s life, legacy and contribution to the field of China Studies. Download a PDF version.

Most widely recognised for her work on colonial frontier massacres in Australia, culminating in the acclaimed ‘Massacre Map’, Lyndall Ryan was recognised by the Australian Academy of the Humanities as a Fellow in 2018. Victoria K Haskins FAHA FRSN (University of Newcastle) reflects on her significant contribution to Australian historiography in women’s studies and Indigenous history. Download a PDF version.

Acknowledgement of Country

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.