Prizewinner has reaped rewards

As Dan Todman, The Times Higher Young Academic Author of the Year for 2006, says, having an award does not make finding a balance between research, admin and writing any easier.

However, the author of The Great War: Myth and Memory said the award gave him more than an extra line on his CV. Crucially, it it helped boost his confidence before embarking on the research for his next tome, a general history of Britain in the Second World War.

"The judges commented on how well I had handled a broad range of different sources - such as novels, TV programmes and official documents. That reinforced my confidence in taking on this enormous new project," he said.

Dr Todman, a lecturer in modern history at Queen Mary, University of London, said: "It's nice to be recognised and validated by an academic body beyond the people in my field." When he walked into one of his seminar groups after receiving the award, his students applauded. He said: "I think teaching has been easier since getting the award."

Ziyad Marar, deputy managing directorJof SAGE Publications, the sponsor of the award, said: "We are delighted to be able to reward young academics and to support them throughout their careers."

This year, The Times Higher is introducing a new award for best marketing initiative. Any initiative in any form of media is eligible for entry, from campaigns aimed at students on an institutional or course level to projects targeting businesses, overseas students, staff or alumni.