Department of History congratulates Steve Mason, just before he leaves York, on the wonderful news that he has recently been awarded a Alexander von Humboldt Research Award of EUR 60,000 “in recognition of his past accomplishments in research and teaching”. These are very prestigious research awards, made by a major research foundation in Germany each year to 100 renowned academics from across the world in recognition of their entire academic record to date. They allow colleagues to undertake prolonged periods of research in collaboration with colleagues in Germany. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation defines eligible nominees for these awards as follows: “academics whose fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their own discipline and beyond and who are expected to continue producing cutting-edge academic achievements in future”. Steve has informed me that he will be collaborating with colleagues at the Humboldt University in Berlin during the tenure of this award.
This major award provides further testimony to Steve Mason’s stature as a scholar with an international reputation for quality scholarship. It is quite clear that our department’s (and York’s) loss will very much be Aberdeen’s gain. But I’m sure the History Department at York will be happy to welcome him back whenever he chooses to visit Toronto in the
future.
Many congratulations, Steve, and bon voyage….