The Working Classicists Awards 2025
We were bowled over by a record number of nominations this year, and the standard of the nominees shows that there are an astonishing number of people working in Classics, trying to open up access and democratise the subject. It was moving to read so many wonderful testimonials.
After an incredibly difficult selection process, the following winners were decided upon by a panel at Working Classicists. Each of them shone through as an asset to our cause and the wider community.
We are delighted to present to you, the winners from this year’s Working Classicists Awards.
Creative Classicist - Basil Wright
Basil Wright has been writing about Classical mythology for many years, but their work has not always received the spotlight it deserves. As a writer, narrative designer, sensitivity consultant and, impressively, the creator of the Afrodyssey, Basil has tirelessly used their creative powers to channel the ancient into the modern through storytelling and games.
Basil models the Working Classicists values of increasing access to those denied, and providing a voice to those unheard. If enthusiasm is the core facet when it comes to outreach, few could be considered more in touch with the spirit of that word.
Basil’s nominators said: “As a black person, AAVE (African American Vernacular English) speaker, and linguistics minor, I find the Afrodyssey really close-to-home and interesting. It highlights how ancient Greece wasn't "white" by today's standards, and it challenges the perception that white, western culture descended from the Greeks.“
“Their work provides a fresh, inclusive perspective to the story that it is fun and engaging to read a work in this kind of translation.”
“Basil always does incredible work, and they put so much heart into anything they do. They are always bringing a different perspective to the table, and uplifting others, big and small.”
Newcomer Classicist - Mhairi White
Through what has been a very challenging time personally, Mhairi’s devotion to her learning community has shone through. She is a skilled academic, as shown through her energetic pursuit of her MA, and is also a determined representative of the student body in interactions with all levels of her study.
What was clear from her nominations was her understanding of study as a community rather than a solo pursuit. At every level, Mhairi sees the value in every person, in every aspiration, and in every victory, no matter how big or small.
If this is the beginning, it is auspicious, and the discipline will only benefit from having Mhairi - a person whose compassion is equal to her academic gifts – in it.
Mhairi’s nomination forms said that, “Mhairi White is one to watch! She is relatively new to Classics and studying for an MA - but her enthusiasm and energy are infectious and inspiring.
“In the last year she's set up a thriving WhatsApp group for other students, organised workshops with academics and directors, and is planning to go into schools to share her latest research project on Medusa.
“She has the gift of making learning seem magical.”
“Through personal challenges, she's continued to hold other people up and encourage them to celebrate their successes.”
Unsung Classicist - Del Maticic
It would have been enough to earn a nomination here solely on the volume of work Del has done on an academic level – book reviews, conference papers, articles, chapters, editing – but in combination with his contribution to making material working conditions better for his colleagues, it was clear that we were learning about someone of exceptional value to the discipline.
Working towards improvements in any arena can be a thankless and tiring task, but Del has invested a huge amount of his energy in doing the things which often go unnoticed, but which benefit many after the fact: attending meetings, asking questions, making the case, and being prepared to do it repeatedly.
Del embodies the value of fairness, and strives towards a better kind of academia. We are delighted to shine a light on his phenomenal contribution.
Del’s nominators explained: “Del has worked tirelessly, both as a graduate student and now as an early career scholar and teacher, on behalf of justice and equity within the field of Classics, particularly in North America.
“His efforts have been instrumental in giving graduate students a seat at the table in the governing of the Society for Classical Studies, and his committee service on both the Contingent Faculty and Data committees for SCS has been invaluable in advocating for improving the working conditions of early-career classicists, especially those of disadvantaged demographics.
“He has continued to produce and curate cutting-edge scholarship related to eco-criticism and other innovative ways of approaching ancient literature.”
Educator Classicist - Louise Scott
Reading about Louise’s journey with Classics was inspiring. Louise has done something remarkable, giving access to the ancient world to pupils between the ages of 13 and 18 in an area of high social deprivation. Indeed, so effective has her work been that her school has had to bring additional Classics staff on-board.
Louise’s enthusiasm has encouraged pupils to try something new, to the extent that this year the prestigious Gilbert Murray Prize was won by one of Louise’s state-educated pupils, with several others commended.
Providing her pupils, many of whom had never left the UK, with access to a trip to Pompeii will have life-long effects, many of which will go far beyond education.
Louise is clearly an outstanding educator, with a living commitment to equal opportunity in Classics. She is more than deserving of this award.
In the nominations for Louise, it was explained that, “Louise is a tireless force in promoting the subject and a hugely engaging and inspiring educator.
“Over 50% of pupils at Louise’s school live in one of Scotland’s most deprived areas, and around 30% have an additional support need.”
“Louise’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. She has encouraged pupil participation in prestigious opportunities like the Gilbert Murray Prize. Last year, as a result of her efforts, Beath High was the only state school awarded. This year, one of Louise's pupils won the Grand Prize, with several more Highly Commended.
“Louise’s work is nothing short of transformative. She is not only opening doors to the past, but also to new futures — smashing barriers, raising aspirations, and proving that passion and access to the ancient world should never be limited by postcode or income.”
Community Classicist - Aôthen Magazine
What Aôthen have accomplished since their launch in 2022 is nothing short of amazing. Publishing an online – and in-print – literary magazine, online articles and columns, fundraising for charities, and more.
Each issue of the magazine is crammed with stories, poems, and reflections – it is an extraordinary space for writers of all backgrounds, demonstrating the principle that all voices deserve to be heard.
The team - Kaitlin Smith and Dominic Wexler, led by Editor-in-Chief Samantha Ng - have done remarkable work in pursuit of their principles: “Protect heritage, think critically, and decolonize archaeology.”
Aôthen is an important space, organisation and creative collective: a worthy winner of this community prize.
The nominators for the magazine explained that, “Aôthen Magazine has brought together professionals, amateurs, and creatives of many ages and backgrounds in a wide encompassing and ongoing creative dialogue about the Classics.
“Their tireless efforts have made Aôthen a very special and unique project which has been a source of pleasure and education for me this past year.
“Aôthen is innovative and welcoming in a rare and wonderful way and this is in no small degree due to the team's genuine and all-encompassing love for, and expertise within, the field of Classics.”
The nominations explained: “Aôthen Magazine has brought together professionals, amateurs, and creatives of many ages and backgrounds in a wide encompassing and ongoing creative dialogue about the Classics.
“Their tireless efforts have made Aôthen a very special and unique project which has been a source of pleasure and education for me this past year.”
“Aôthen is innovative and welcoming in a rare and wonderful way and this is in no small degree due to the team's genuine and all-encompassing love for, and expertise within, the field of Classics.”
Working Classicist of the Year 2025 - Zena Kamash
Zena has researched and written on the subject of the Roman Middle East for many years, but always with an eye on practical real-world connections.
In a region which has been ravaged by Western military interventions, her work is only becoming more and more important.
Centred around recovery from trauma, Zena’s work emphasises the humanity of those – people and places - affected by such destruction, and looks at the efficacy of proposed solutions, assessing them within contexts of media illiteracy, geopolitical biases, and other distorting prisms.
All of Zena’s work, from her doctoral thesis (Water Supply and Management in the Near East), to her Crafting Heritage and Wellbeing in Iraq project, to her recent book, Heritage and Healing in Iraq make no bones about asking people to reorient their ideas of Classics, of colonisation, of modern global conflicts, and the profound intersections they share. This is the kind of dialogue which is required in modern Classics, and only through work such as this can the discipline have it.
Zena is an important voice in a changing discipline, and we are proud to call her our Working Classicist of the Year.
Among Zena’s nominations we were told that, “Zena has consistently worked to decolonise the fields of Classics, Classical Archaeology, and particularly, Heritage Studies, addressing problems of digital and technological colonialism, community exclusion, imperialist attitudes, media bias and illiteracy, and the many ways that academia continues to inflict trauma.
“Most recently, she has found traditional and non-traditional ways to model 'gentler, creative and ethically-driven ways to respond to heritage damaged in conflict that recentre people and their hopes, dreams and needs at the heart of these debates’.
“Her handbook, Heritage and Healing in Syria and Iraq, presents a case for craft and creativity to those who feel most comfortable with a 'traditional' academic approach, while her Crafting Heritage for Wellbeing in Iraq project puts that approach into practice, using traditional crafts and creative workshops to help build community, improve mental health, and present new ways to preserve cultural heritage. I think she is a superb role-model for Classicists everywhere.“
