The Hugh Martin Weir Prize

Background

The Prize is to honour the memory of Lieutenant Hugh Martin Weir (1915 - 2004) and his fellow prisoners of war. Hugh was a prisoner of war of the Japanese in Java for three and a half years between 1942 and 1945. The Barr Smith Library holds a copy of a journal about Hugh Martin Weir titled Well, what do you know about that? This is available for loan and can be found in the Library's Main Collection.

This page is designed to answer your questions and is based on the Rules which govern the Prize.

The purpose of the Prize

The purpose of the Prize is encouraging study and research, including use of the Barr Smith Library collections, into any aspect of Australian prisoners of war of the Japanese during the Second World War. This may include the capture, captivity, treatment, conditions, release and repatriation of these prisoners of war and may include the effects of captivity on their lives, their health and their families.

Eligibility

The Prize is open to University of Adelaide students who are enrolled in an Honours thesis program or a postgraduate program by coursework or by research, either commencing or already in progress. Postdoctoral researchers are eligible to apply within three years of a doctoral award.

Selection of Winner

Selection of the winner will be by an Award Committee comprising:

• The University Librarian or his/her nominee (Convenor)
• Glen Cameron Weir or his nominee
• The Head of the School of History and Politics or his/her nominee

Selection will be based on a written application, a referee report and possibly an interview.

Benefits of the Prize

The Prize will award up to $1,000 annually, as funds permit, which may be put towards the costs of travel and accommodation, books, printing, inter-library loans, copying and publication or other agreed purposes identified in the candidate’s application to support the research.

Winner's obligations

The Prize winner is required to:

• Publish the results of the research by deposit in Adelaide Research and Scholarship
• Acknowledge the Prize in relation to the research

The winner is also expected to use the Barr Smith Library collections for at least some of the research.

How to apply

Applications must be received on the Prize Application Form which also requires the applicant to arrange a confidential academic reference.

Applications open on the 1st of October of the current year and close on the 10th of November of the current year.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications by post by the 26th of February.

Contact

If you have questions or require more information please contact:

Paul Wilkins
Deputy University Librarian
Barr Smith Library
University of Adelaide
Email: paul.wilkins@adelaide.edu.au
Phone: (08) 8313 5223
Fax: (08) 8313 4369