Winner: Martin Freimüller (Trinity College)
Ten entries were received, all of them prepared to high standards. The quality and diversity of proposed dissertation projects are, as in previous years, very impressive. Thematically, they address various aspects of the arts, media, politics, religion and activism. Regionally, projects are proposed in the United Kingdom, Israel, North and South America, Zambia, Palestine as well as in online worlds.
The decision to award the Wyse Prize for the Best Dissertation Proposal took into account both the practical and conceptual aspects of proposed research, including the way in which the candidates had been able to build on their existing knowledge of social anthropology. The winning entry by Martin Freimüller of Trinity College, entitled 'Printing Black and White: The Mediation of Christian Modernity in the Zambian Copperbelt', combines knowledge about the proposed field site with current anthropological perspectives on print culture, missionary Christianity and ideological contestation. It indicates a commendable ability to develop an original and timely research topic and holds considerable promise for a successful dissertation.
To follow Martin’s research during August and September 2016, please see his blog www.martinsjourney.net.