SIGS Alumna Wins National Prize for Titanic Research

The Strathclyde Institute for Genealogical Studies is delighted to congratulate alumna Nicola Johnson on being awarded the British Commission for Maritime History (BCMH) Masters Dissertation Prize 2025.

Nicola, who studied Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde, received the award on 18 April 2026.

Her winning dissertation, which explored the Titanic Relief Fund's role in supporting bereaved crew families, was praised by the BCMH prize panel for its rigour, clear methodology, and persuasive examination. The panel added that “what made this dissertation particularly stand out was the completeness of the work”, describing it as taking the reader "through a statistical demonstration, enlivened by the social and cultural elements of the application of the Fund, towards some clear conclusions.”

The full announcement can be found on the BCMH website. 

Nicola is a professional genealogist and director of research company All About Ancestors. She is a regular contributor to Who Do You Think You Are?, Family Tree and Discover Your Ancestors magazines, and will present at SIGS' forthcoming Beyond the Family Tree conference in Glasgow on 25–26 June 2026.

(Nicola receiving her reward). 

She said: "Receiving this award was a real honour. I was dealing with significant health challenges throughout the Masters course, so to have my maritime history and genealogy work recognised at a national level still feels a bit surreal. I thought I knew Titanic inside out, but the dissertation opened up entirely new avenues that I'm still pursuing. It's a reminder that sheer stubbornness and the right support can get you further than you'd think! I'd also like to thank my dissertation supervisor, Dr Calista Williams, for her advice and support throughout the process."

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