Bruce Berry, a history doctoral student in the Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, was awarded the Gherardi Davis Prize by the Flag Research Center for the best paper presented at the 28th International Congress of Vexillology (ICV) that was held in San Antonio, USA, in July 2019. 

His paper, titled 'Flying High - the Zimbabwe Bird on the flags of Rhodesia and Zimbabwe', forms part of his research for his doctorate, which is being supervised by Professor Karen Harris. His paper focused on the central role of the Zimbabwe Bird in the iconography of past and present-day Zimbabwe and how it has evolved to its current position as the definitive national symbol found on a large number of flags, logos and other symbols in the country.

In addition, Bruce was also elected to the Board of the International Federation of Vexillological Associations.