Brett Holman

Professional Summary for Professor Brett Holman

Professor Brett Holman is a distinguished historian at the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. With a focus on modern history, particularly the cultural and social dimensions of warfare, he has established himself as a leading scholar in the field of air power history and the public perception of aerial warfare in the 20th century.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Holman holds advanced degrees in history, reflecting his deep commitment to academic rigor:

• PhD in History, University of Melbourne, Australia (2008), with a thesis focused on the fear of aerial bombing in Britain during the interwar period.
• Master of Arts in History, University of Melbourne, Australia.
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History, University of Melbourne, Australia.

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Holman’s research primarily explores the cultural history of air power, with a particular emphasis on how societies have imagined and responded to the threat of aerial warfare. His work often examines the intersection of technology, fear, and public policy in Britain during the 20th century. Key areas of interest include:

• The social and cultural impact of air power in modern warfare.
• The history of fear and panic surrounding aerial bombing, especially in interwar Britain.
• Public perceptions of military technology and its influence on policy and literature.

Career History and Appointments

Professor Holman has built a robust academic career with significant contributions to teaching and research:

• Lecturer in History, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, Australia (current position).
• Previously held teaching and research roles at various institutions, focusing on modern history and military studies.

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and fellowships are not widely documented in public sources, Professor Holman’s contributions to the field of air power history are recognized through his publications and active engagement in academic communities.

Key Publications

Professor Holman has authored several impactful works that have contributed to the historiography of air power and cultural history:

• Book: The Next War in the Air: Britain's Fear of the Bomber, 1908–1941 (2014), published by Ashgate (now Routledge), a seminal work on the cultural history of aerial warfare fears in Britain.
• Numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on topics such as the dread of air raids and the evolution of air power theory in historical contexts.

He also maintains an active online presence through his blog, Airminded, where he discusses historical topics related to air power and engages with a broader audience.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Holman’s research has significantly shaped the understanding of how cultural perceptions of air power influenced public policy and societal behavior in the 20th century. His book, The Next War in the Air, is widely cited as a key text in the field of military and cultural history, offering fresh insights into the psychological dimensions of warfare. His work bridges academic scholarship with public history, making complex historical narratives accessible through his blog and public writings.

Public Lectures, Roles in Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Holman is an active participant in the academic community, contributing to discussions on military history and air power studies:

• Regular presenter at international conferences on military history and air power studies.
• Contributor to public history through his blog, Airminded, which serves as a platform for disseminating research and engaging with both academic and general audiences.
• Engagement in editorial and peer-review activities for historical journals (specific roles not publicly detailed).