Area Prize – helping new researchers make their mark on geography
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One of the world’s top ten geography journals, part of Area’s mission is to
be accessible to new researchers, including postgraduate students and
academics at an early stage in their careers.
Purpose
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The purpose of the Area prize is to encourage submissions from new
researchers and to reward excellent geographical research. The winner of
the award will receive a cash prize of £500. The prize is now in its fourth
year, and receives an increasing number of applications annually. The work
of previous prizewinners is currently available online without charge
(until 30th September 2005). Just click through from the links below the
comments on each article to read the full text. Information about the
selection process and the application procedure is given at the end of this
message. If you are a new researcher – please consider submitting your work
to Area.
Previous prizewinners
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* 2004: Pauline Couper: Space and Time in River Bank Erosion Research: A
Review, Volume 36:4, pp 387-403
Pauline Couper here provides us with a substantial review of research on
river bank erosion, with a bibliography of over 100 items covering the
diversity of scale, method, and purpose of this research - a diversity seen
as a great strength. The paper is a novel synthesis, which adds value in
using abstract concepts of space and time to show how these can help us
understand this process, and guide further experimental research. The paper
also critically evaluates theoretical means of bridging across scales (such
as hierarchy theory, extrapolation methods, and modelling).
Professor Keith Richards, University of Cambridge, UK
Read this article at: http://www.blackwell-
synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.0004-0894.2004.00239.x
* 2003: Markus Hassler: Crisis, Coincidences and Strategic Market
Behaviour: The Internationalization of Indonesian Clothing Brand Owners,
Volume 35:3, pp 241-250
This paper by Markus Hassler encapsulates the essence of a good 'Area
paper'. It is theoretically informed, placing analysis of the Indonesian
clothing industry within the global commodity change framework. It utilises
a sound methodology to provide original insight into the trading activities
of Indonesian brand-owners. It is well structured and clearly presented and
it does all of this within the word limit! This paper is proof that is
possible to produce a theoretically ground, methodologically rigorous and
informative empirical paper in 5,000 words.
Professor Mike Bradshaw, University of Leicester, UK
Read this article at: http://www.blackwell-
synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/1475-4762.00173
* 2002: Richard C. Powell: The Sirens' voices? Field practices and dialogue
in geography, Volume 34:3, pp 261-272
There are few greater challenges in geography than the constant re-
evaluation the role, approaches and outcomes of fieldwork - yet few of us
in higher education take the time; Powell's paper is a painstaking analysis
of current dilemmas that will hopefully find an audience beyond 'the
community of philosophically minded earth scientists' (p.265)!
Malcolm Newson, Professor of Physical Geography, University of Newcastle
upon Tyne, UK
Read this article at: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1475-
4762.00080
* 2001: Matt Bradshaw: Contracts and member checks in qualitative research
in human geography: reason for caution, Volume 33:2, pp 202-11
Bradshaw's article marks a significant intervention in qualitative
methodology. He explores the way contracts and member checks can be used
by powerful groups to shape research processes and outcomes. Bradshaw's
brilliant, crystal clear analysis makes it clear that researchers are
facing new sets of methodological dilemmas and choices.
Professor Alastair Bonnett, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Read this article at: http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1475-
4762.00023
Selection process
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The winner is selected from authors of papers accepted for publication in
Area each year. At the time of submitting their paper candidates should be
engaged in full or part-time postgraduate research or within 3 years of
starting their first research or teaching appointment, or completion of
their research degree.
Application procedure
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For information on how to ensure your paper is considered for the Area
prize, please consult follow these guidelines
(http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/specialarticles/area.pdf) , which are
also available from the Area home page: www.blackwellpublishing.com/area
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