We are delighted to announce that the winner of the 2026 Regius Prize is Thomas Stevens for his article 'Bandits into Citizens? Rehabilitation in the Post-Civil Wars Soviet Union' in Kritika: Explorations in Russian and Eurasian History.
Thomas says: I’m delighted and very grateful to receive the inaugural Regius Prize. As an early career researcher, it means a great deal to have my article recognised by colleagues, particularly given the strength and range of research being undertaken across the Faculty. It offers both encouragement and momentum for the next stages of this project. The prize’s focus on supporting researchers in fixed-term posts is especially meaningful. Early career friends and colleagues across the University are producing exceptional work, and Oxford would not be the academic powerhouse that it is without them. I’m honoured to be associated with an initiative that reflects the Faculty’s and Professor Roper’s commitment to supporting emerging scholars.
Proxime Accessit was awarded to Mori Reithmayr for the article 'Homosexuality Inverted: Jose Sarria's Performance Archive and the Making of Nelly Queens, 1958-1963' in the Journal of the History of Sexuality.
Mori says: It's an absolute honor and delight to be named runner-up of the inaugural Regius Prize given both the field's competitiveness and the judges' eminent academic reputations. This is such wonderful affirmation of my work and gives me further courage and enthusiasm to press ahead with my first book project, Ideas for Power: The Invention of Gay Community, 1953-1969 of which this paper will form a part.
