Dr Laura Rademaker honoured by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia

ANU historian and Deputy Director of the Research Centre for Deep History Dr Laura Rademaker has been awarded the 2021 Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research.

The Paul Bourke Award for Early Career Research recognises social science researchers in the early part of their careers. It is named in honour of the late Professor Paul Bourke, an influential political historian who served as Academy President from 1993 to 1997.

A leading historian of Indigenous history who works closely with first nations communities, Laura graduated from ANU with honours and subsequently completed her PhD in History at the University. Her doctoral research uncovering the rich history of the Groote Eylandt peoples and their interactions with missionaries of the period formed the basis of her award-winning book Found in Translation: Many Meanings on a North Australian Mission. The book was recognised with the WK Hancock Prize. A subsequent book Laura co-authored, The Bible in Buffalo Country was recently awarded the Northern Territory Chief Minister’s History Award.

With a distinctive, respectful and collaborative approach to history, Dr Rademaker works closely with first nations communities, building meaningful relationships of trust and mutual understanding. She makes extensive use of oral history in combination with archival records.

"I've discovered such a richness of stories and wealth of history working with communities and building relationships with people... I'm passionate about collaborative history, working closesly with communities," Laura says.

Dr Rademaker is one of four researchers to receive the honour in 2021. Academy of Social Sciences in Australia President Professor Jane Hall praised the calibre of recipients.

“These young researchers are working at the very highest level to address some of the critical challenges facing our society today. They are deserving winners of this award and join a very select list of previous recipients”

First nations history is an important and fascinating part of the story of this continent, and Laura enthusiastically encourages people to explore it.

"Australian history is so rich, and Indigenous history has so many insights to offer us. I would encourage people not to be intimidated by looking at Australia's past, but to give it the attention it deserves."