Atomicalia – Visiting Fellowship (Murdoch University)

[Olivier Krischer]

Dear colleagues, 

Murdoch University’s School of Media and Communication seeks applications from researchers and artists outside the Perth Metropolitan area to engage with and/or undertake research related to the Atomicalia Collection. Housed in the Murdoch University Library Special Collections, the Atomicalia Collection comprises more than 2,500 objects and artefacts (both 2D and 3D) branded or directly associated with ionising radiation and nuclear energy from the early 1900s to 2025. Atomicalia refers to the collection of objects and ephemera that evoke or relate to the nuclear age during the decades preceding the Manhattan Project (1941-45) and beyond the Cold War (1945 to post-1991). It encompasses a wide range of material culture, including:

Pop culture items: toys, games, advertisements, comics, films and television, music and art and other consumer goods such as foodstuffs, apparel, toiletries that feature atomic motifs, imagery of nuclear power, or themes related to nuclear war.

Propaganda and educational materials: government pamphlets, posters and curricula designed to inform (or misinform) the public about atomic energy, radiation, civil defence and their broader implications.

Scientific and industrial artifacts: instruments, equipment and products from early atomic research and development, or from industries that utilized atomic technology, through to its military application and weapons deployment.

Studying atomicalia is useful for exploring how radiation, atomic energy and nuclear weaponry has been integrated into everyday life and popular consciousness. It can reveal the often contradictory messages and social semiotics embedded in these items, showing both the serious and sometimes playful or incongruous ways in which the nuclear age is presented and consumed. The Fellowship is designed to support and encourage postgraduates, researchers, journalists, artists, media makers, musicians, photographers and activists to work with the collection for a particular purpose and outcome/s. As part of the Fellowship, successful applicants will be provided with a space to work in the Murdoch University library near or in the same room as items from the collection and access to the library catalogue.

Key dates:

• One round per year
• Applications open: February 1st
• Deadline for Applications: March 31st
• Decision made by early May for the Fellowship to commence between July 1st in the year of the
  award and before June 30th the following year
  
  Eligible fellowship support:
• Travel
• Accommodation

Remuneration Grants of up to A$2,500 for Australian-based applicants and up to A$5,000 for international visitors. Applications that include co-funding from other sources are strongly encouraged.

Fellows are required to spend a minimum of one week and a maximum of four weeks accessing the collection. Eligibility Applicants must live outside the Perth, Western Australia, Metropolitan area. Applications from those outside Western Australia, are strongly encouraged. Application requirements A proposal up to 500 words outlining:

1. what specifically interests you about the collection
2. your anticipated outcome/s from the visiting fellowship (eg. published writing, creative arts project,
   exhibition)
3. your experience and ability to carry out the proposed work
4. preferred dates of visit
5. estimated budget including any self- or co-funding to complement the grant
6. Your curriculum vitae (4 pages maximum)
   

Applications and inquiries should be sent to: Dr Lauren O’Mahony Associate Dean of Research School of Media and Communication email: L.om...@murdoch.edu.au The deadline for applications is March 31st, 2026.