History Studies: University of Limerick History Society Journal Vol (7)

The quality and diversity of the contributions to volume seven of History Studies is indicative of the niche which the journal has established in the field of academic publishing as the sole post-graduate produced history periodical in Ireland. The broad compass of historical research being conducted at undergraduate, post-graduate and post-doctoral levels is reflected in the content of this volume. Last year, volume six marked a new and highly successful departure for History Studies with the introduction of a book review section and the establishment of an annual forum. This edition consolidates these developments as well as expanding the scope of the journal to incorporate an archival profile of Special Collections at the University of Limerick. It is envisaged that this will become a standard feature of future editions. The History Studies forum has taken its lead from progressive independent initiatives such as the annual Irish History Students' Association Conference and the Irish Historical Society post graduate seminar, which provide a medium for postgraduate interaction. A series of student-led collaborative inter-university conferences have also proved to be successful in establishing research links and awareness between post-graduate students. On the publishing front, History Studies is among the leading Irish outlets for post-graduate research. While the two volumes of the Irish History Students' Association Research Yearbook that appeared in 2002 and 2003 were landmark publications for Irish post-graduate research. they failed to fill the void left by the demise of their predecessor Retrospect. The momentum generated was not maintained. The full potential of the Irish History Students' Association has not been realised due to a lack of dedication from the majority of the post-graduate research community. The commitment of the Irish Historical Society to research students has resulted in projects like the online post-graduate register and database of Irish history theses. In this fashion. the Irish Historical Society has embraced the possibilities offered by online technology to create a closer community of historical scholars. It is now incumbent upon the post-graduate community to establish a more vibrant and active research network Jennifer Moore John O'Callaghan Conor Reidy