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Meet Dr Eliza O’Donnell, Mary Lugton Postdoctoral Fellow
In 2025, we were delighted to welcome Dr Eliza O’Donnell, newly appointed Mary Lugton Postdoctoral Fellow. With a background in paintings conservation and experience working with Indonesian artists and cultural collections in tropical climates, she brings a wealth of knowledge in relation to understanding issues of art attribution and cross-cultural research and practice. Eliza O’Donnell […] -
SHAPS Digest (October 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/11/06/shaps-digest-october-2025
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Announcing the Wright Lecture Series in Ancient Near Eastern Studies
The Classics and Archaeology program is delighted to announce the new Wright Lecture Series in Ancient Near Eastern Studies. The program has received a generous donation from Dr JJ Kim Wright (University of Melbourne alumnus) to support an annual visit and lecture by an international scholar. The programme will begin in November 2025, with Dr […] -
Investigating the History of Women in Australian Engineering
This year we welcomed to the History and Philosophy of Science Program new graduate student, Kathryn Laurentis, who joins us with more than twenty-five years of industry experience as a chemical engineer and applied mathematician. Her research will draw on her experience in industry as well as STEM advocacy to explore the hidden history of […] -
SHAPS Digest (September 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/10/01/shaps-digest-september-2025
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Introducing Dr James Keating, Assistant Lecturer in History
In 2024 Dr James Keating was appointed to the position of Assistant Lecturer in History. A gender and cultural historian of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Australia and New Zealand, Dr Keating specialises in the history of feminism. His first book, Distant Sisters: Australasian Women and the International Struggle for the Vote, 1880–1914, was published by Manchester University Press in […] -
SHAPS Digest (August 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/09/02/shaps-digest-august-2025
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Exploring the World of Linear B
Linear B, a script that was used during the Bronze Age for writing in Mycenean Greek, was the subject of an interactive workshop organized by PhD candidate Emily Tour last year. Led jointly by Dr Anna Judson from Durham University (online) and Emily Tour (on site), the workshop offered participants the opportunity to experiment with […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/08/26/exploring-the-world-of-linear-b
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Meet Dr Cristian Larroulet Philippi, RW Seddon Fellow in Philosophy of Science
This year, we were delighted to welcome Dr Cristian Larroulet Philippi as the inaugural RW Seddon Fellow in the History and Philosophy of Science program. With a background in economics and a PhD in History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge, Dr Larroulet Philippi was previously a Junior Research Fellow at Gonville […] -
SHAPS Digest (July 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/08/01/shaps-digest-july-2025
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Reading Ukrainian Literature in Wartime
The SBS Ukrainian program recently broadcast a recording of a conversation between Professor Mark Edele (Hansen Chair in History) and Emeritus Professor Marko Pavlyshyn (Monash University) to mark the launch of Marko Pavlyshyn’s new book, Ukrainian Literature: A Wartime Guide for Anglophone Readers as part of Mark Edele’s ‘Elements in Soviet and Post-Soviet History’ series, […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/07/24/reading-ukrainian-literature-in-wartime
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Introducing Dr Caroline Kyi, Assistant Lecturer in Cultural Materials Conservation
We were thrilled last year to welcome Dr Caroline Kyi as a new Assistant Lecturer in Cultural Materials Conservation. Dr Kyi completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne, focusing on biodeterioration in cultural heritage. With over 20 years of experience as a wall paintings conservator and conservation scientist, she has worked extensively both locally […] -
Food in the Ancient World
Some recipes date back to ancient Rome: French toast, foie gras … and braised flamingo. What else is in the ancient Roman cookbook De Re Coquinaria? PhD candidate Christopher D Parkinson discusses his work on culinary practices, daily diet, and food culture in the ancient world, for the Conversation. Feature image: A bread stall from a […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/07/07/food-in-the-ancient-world
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SHAPS Digest (June 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/06/30/shaps-digest-june-2025
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The University and Indigenous Dispossession
As the Yoorrook Walk for Truth travels through western Victoria, Prof. Zoë Laidlaw, Dr James Waghorne and Mark Stern reflect on the colonial pastoralists from that area who dispossessed Indigenous people while enriching our university.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/06/26/the-university-and-indigenous-dispossession
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A Century of Planetariums
For 100 years, we have marvelled at planetariums. In this article, originally published by the Conversation, Dr Martin Bush (Senior Lecturer in History and Philosophy of Science) and Dr Tanya Hill (Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne and Senior Curator (Astronomy), Museums Victoria Research Institute) present a brief history of how humans brought the […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/06/23/a-century-of-planetariums
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SHAPS Digest (May 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/06/08/shaps-digest-may-2025
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Welcome Victoria Thomas, Assistant Lecturer in Textile Conservation
In 2024 we were delighted to welcome Victoria Thomas, newly appointed Assistant Lecturer in Textile Conservation. With a background in technical design and contemporary garment manufacturing, she brings a wealth of expertise to the field. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and a Master’s in Cultural Materials Conservation, specializing in the preservation of contemporary […] -
Why do women still have less status and power than men?
In her new book, Patriarchy Inc., Professor Cordelia Fine (HPS) makes the case for a new approach to gender equality in work – one that’s fairer, more secure, and more rewarding for all of us. What’s your vision of gender equality? Whatever it is, it needs to take a stand on divisions of labour. Work […] -
SHAPS Digest (April 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/05/07/shaps-digest-april-2025
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Neuroscience and Gender Politics
Last year, students taking the subject ‘Sex and Gender in the Sciences’ took direct part in the public debates over neuroscience and gender politics. Led by Professor Cordelia Fine (HPS), the students held a focused class discussion on sensationalised research findings comparing female and male brains. Later, the students co-authored a statement on this issue, which was […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/04/29/neuroscience-and-gender-politics
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Reuniting Artist Reggie Uluru with his Restored Ngintaka Sculpture
When Aṉangu artist Reggie Uluru’s sculpture was damaged, conservators from the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation repaired the work, ready for repainting, as Dr Jonathan Kemp explains in this article, originally published in Pursuit. Reggie Uluru has been painting in Australia’s Red Centre for over 15 years. A Senior Aṉangu artist, Reggie Uluru and his people […] -
Introducing Dr Jenny Judge, Lecturer in Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science
In 2023 we were thrilled to welcome Dr Jenny Judge as newly appointed Lecturer in Philosophy of Mind and Cognitive Science. Dr Judge holds a PhD in Philosophy from New York University, as well as a PhD in Music from the University of Cambridge, where she was the recipient of a Fulbright Student Award. Sitting […] -
SHAPS Digest (March 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/04/04/shaps-digest-march-2025
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Trump is no Caesar, but the republic is collapsing
Dr Liam Byrne (Honorary Fellow, History) draws a parallel between ancient Rome and America’s modern republic in this article, originally published in Pursuit. As political commentators scramble to comprehend just what is happening in the United States, one ready parallel keeps coming up. Time and again President Donald Trump’s regime is compared to the ancient reign of the Caesars, […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/04/02/trump-is-no-caesar-but-the-republic-is-collapsing
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Conserving our cultural record is more important than ever
Any loss of our historical record – accidental or intentional – leaves us less able to understand the past or make informed decisions about our future. In this article, republished here from Pursuit, Professor Robyn Sloggett sets out the urgency of the current moment when it comes to preserving and ensuring access to cultural records. […] -
Meet Dr Paige Donaghy, McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellow in History
In 2024 Dr Paige Donaghy commenced a prestigious McKenzie Postdoctoral Fellowship, supporting her historical research on the origins of what we now understand to be obstetric violence in British medicine and culture. PhD candidate in history Jesse Seeberg-Gordon sat down with Paige to talk about her research background, current projects, and the importance of studying […] -
Are our thoughts ‘real’? Here’s what philosophy says
Associate Professor Sam Baron (Philosophy) reflects on philosophical debates over what thoughts are, in this piece republished from the Conversation. You can doubt just about anything. But there’s one thing you can know for sure: you are having thoughts right now. This idea came to characterise the philosophical thinking of 17th century philosopher René Descartes. For […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/03/11/are-our-thoughts-real-heres-what-philosophy-says
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Soviet Displaced Persons and the Cold War
Dr Oleg Beyda (Lecturer in Russian History) reviews Professor Sheila Fitzpatrick’s latest book, Lost Souls: Soviet Displaced Persons and the Birth of the Cold War (Princeton University Press). A disaster. That was the fitting word for the Europe that emerged immediately after 1945, covered in soot from cities turned to ashes. Life had collapsed. Victorious […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/03/07/soviet-displaced-persons-and-the-cold-war
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SHAPS Digest (February 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/03/04/shaps-digest-february-2025
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Introducing Lucilla Ronai, Assistant Lecturer in Paper Conservation
We are excited to welcome Lucilla Ronai as the Grimwade Centre’s new Assistant Lecturer in Paper Conservation. Luci has worked at prestigious institutions including the National Library of Australia, the Australian National Maritime Museum, and the Library of Trinity College Dublin. Passionate about sharing conservation knowledge, she runs the YouTube channel The Conservation Starter. Her […] -
Lessons in “Democratic” Authoritarianism from Latin America
Dr Sarah Walsh (Hansen Lecturer in Global History) reflects on the rise of authoritarianism in the United States, in this article republished here from Pursuit. She argues that Americans should look much closer to home to understand what authoritarian regimes look like — the modern models of dictatorship in Latin America. As I watch reports […] -
SHAPS Digest (January 2025)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/02/05/shaps-digest-january-2025
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Assessing Joe Biden’s Legacy
Dr Liam Byrne (Honorary Fellow, History) and Dr Emma Shortis (RMIT) look back on Joe Biden’s presidency, in this article, originally published in the Conversation. Should a US president by judged by what they achieved, or by what they failed to do? Joe Biden’s administration is over. Though we have an extensive record, it is […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/01/30/assessing-joe-bidens-legacy
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SHAPS Digest (December 2024)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/01/16/shaps-digest-december-2024
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Celebrating Our Outstanding Students
We congratulate students who won prizes in 2022 for excellence in the fields of Classics & Archaeology, Cultural Materials Conservation, Hebrew Studies, and History, and extend our thanks to the benefactors whose generosity has supported our students in their endeavours and has helped both to make possible and to recognise their achievements in these fields. […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2025/01/06/celebrating-our-outstanding-students
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SHAPS Digest (November 2024)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/12/06/shaps-digest-november-2024
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Silver Medal for Philosophy Students in Tertiary Ethics Olympiad
In October 2024 two teams of students from the University of Melbourne participated in the Australian Association for Professional and Applied Ethics (AAPAE) Tertiary Ethics Olympiad. These ethics athletes, or ‘eth-letes’, as they are known in the competition, went up against universities from across Australia. They were supported by coach Dr Alex Cain (Teaching Associate, Philosophy), who reports here […] -
Introducing Hansen PhD Scholar Patrick Gigacz
The Hansen Trust, established to advance the study of History at University of Melbourne, includes an annual PhD scholarship for the doctoral program in History in SHAPS. In 2024 the scholarship was awarded to Patrick Gigacz, who is researching the cultural history of electricity in Melbourne. Fellow PhD candidate Jesse Seeberg-Gordon sat down with Patrick for a conversation […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/11/19/introducing-hansen-phd-scholar-patrick-gigacz
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SHAPS Digest (October 2024)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/11/04/shaps-digest-october-2024
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Jewish Women in Nineteenth-Century France
A new book by Dr Helen M. Davies (Honorary Fellow, History) explores the lives of two remarkable Jewish women in nineteenth-century France. The book sheds light on gender, family, and Jewish experiences in France, from the Napoleonic period through to the Dreyfus Affair. This adapted excerpt introduces the book’s main themes. My book, Herminie and […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/10/17/jewish-women-in-nineteenth-century-france
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SHAPS Digest (September 2024)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/10/04/shaps-digest-september-2024
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SHAPS Digest (August 2024)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/09/02/shaps-digest-august-2024
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SHAPS Digest (June 2024)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/07/11/shaps-digest-june-2024
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Preserving Precious Ukrainian Heritage in Melbourne
The Ukrainian Museum of Australia is an entirely volunteer-run community organisation housed at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral in North Melbourne. The Museum holds a remarkable collection of objects, including rare books, folk and religious art, craft and textiles. The Museum’s large collection of traditional embroidered items poses special challenges when it comes to preservation and […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/05/24/preserving-precious-ukrainian-heritage-in-melbourne
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Daniel Crowley
Daniel Crowley (MA in Classics, 2024), Herodotus' Mirror: Unpacking the Purpose of the Plupastblogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/05/16/daniel-crowley
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Catherine Gay
Catherine Gay (PhD in History, 2024), Girls in Nineteenth-Century Victoria, Australia: A Material Historyblogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/05/12/catherine-gay
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Nicole Nomikos
Nicole Nomikos (MA in Philosophy, 2024), Being and Knowing in Plato and Leibnizblogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/05/07/nicole-nomikos
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SHAPS Digest (March 2024)
A monthly roundup of media commentary, publications, projects and other news from across the School community.blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/04/11/shaps-digest-march-2024
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Madeline Helyar
Madeline Helyar is a Masters student in the Philosophy program. Her research interests are in the phenomenology of art and language. Her thesis aims to describe the kind of experience we have when we engage with poetry, as well as to identify the epistemic benefits of such an experience. Madeline has a background in music and creative […]blogs.unimelb.edu.au/shaps-research/2024/03/05/madeline-helyar
Number of posts found: 200