Alexis Bergantz

Dr. Alexis Bergantz is a Senior Lecturer in Global & Language Studies at RMIT University’s School of Global, Urban and Social Studies in Melbourne, Australia. He specializes in French-Australian history, particularly Australia’s historical ties with France and the French Pacific, including New Caledonia. His research has been supported by the Australian Academy of the Humanities and the French Embassy. He earned a PhD in History from the Australian National University (2016), receiving prestigious awards such as the ANU J. G. Crawford Prize and the John Molony Prize for his thesis.

Education:

• PhD in History, Australian National University (2016)

Research: Bergantz’s work focuses on transnational histories, including his award-winning book French Connection: Australia’s Cosmopolitan Ambitions (2021). He leads the Institute for the Study of French-Australian Relations (ISFAR) as Research Committee Co-Chair and edits the French-Australian Dictionary of Biography. His current project explores Australia’s historical engagement with the French Pacific.

Awards:

• 2022 NSW Premier’s Australian History Award
• ANU J. G. Crawford Prize for Academic Excellence
• John Molony Prize for Best Thesis in History

Teaching & Leadership: Coordinates RMIT’s French language program, teaches Global History in the Bachelor of International Studies, and supervises research students. He also contributes to media commentary on French-Australian relations via radio programs like ABC RN’s Late Night Live.

Labs/Teams: Active in ISFAR (https://www.isfar.org.au/) and editorial roles for The French Australian Review.