Katherine Jacka, Doctoral Candidate, University of New South Wales

The 2015 ANZAMEMS conference at the University of Queensland was a stimulating and fruitful event and I am very grateful to ANZAMEMS for receiving a bursary which assisted me in attending. The bursaries that ANZAMEMS offers to postgraduate students and ECRs not only allow this cash-strapped cohort to attend important events but signifies the support ANZAMEMS provides to those who are at the very beginning of their academic careers. At many Australian and New Zealand universities, medieval and early modern researchers are in the minority and events like the ANZAMEMS conference are crucial in reminding us that we are part of a vibrant and robust intellectual community.

In terms of my own research interests, I was particularly excited by the round table event ‘The Global Medieval in the Antipodies’, organised by Dr Clare Monagle. As a researcher working on the Islamicate world, I have often felt a little on the outside of medieval studies which has tended to focus on the history of Europe, and in particular western and northern Europe. Thankfully in recent years there has been a growing recognition amongst historians that a deeper understanding of cross-cultural exchange and influence is necessary; culture does not develop in a vacuum and globalisation, albeit on a smaller scale, has been in play for more than two millennia. This session was an important call to action and provided many at the conference with food for thought, indeed immediately following the session a lively discussion ensued (aided by free drinks!) at the Postgraduate drinks event at the Red Room. Amongst those I talked with, there was a feeling of enthusiasm about the possibility of applying a wider historical view to their own research and for opportunities for scholarly collaboration with those working in different areas of specialisation.

As a result of this session, at the University of Sydney the Global Middle Ages Research Faculty Group has been established and a conference planned for 16-18 June 2016 on the topic of ‘Modernities in the Medieval and Early Modern Period’. Those interested in presenting and/or attending can consult the website for updates: http://sydney.edu.au/arts/research/global_middle_ages

In terms of guidance for postgraduates and ECRs, the ‘Career Options for Graduates’ round table served to remind us all to be realistic about our opportunities for future employment but to remain optimistic. The panellists advised us to keep an open mind and to recognise work opportunities besides academic positions such as editing, publishing and learning support. This was a useful session but I would have also liked to talk more about ways we can ‘sell’ ourselves in the job market as holders of a PhD. The skills required to successfully complete a PhD include high level writing and research skills, time and project management skills, as well as old-fashioned staying power. Surely there are work opportunities within government, NGOs or other organisations that would value this skill set.

I left the ANZAMEMS conference feeling buoyant, having met some great people and feeling optimistic about the future of medieval and early modern studies in Australia and New Zealand. See you at the 2017 conference in Wellington!