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I am disappointed to see that The Times Higher continues in its reactionary ageism with its Young Academic Author of the Year award ("Originality is key for young writers contesting ?5k book prize", April 8). Excluded are novice academics who may be over 40 but who have done other things before working in higher education. Are you beyond embarrassment and unable to think of an award for new academics or new entrants instead?

Bill Cooke
Manchester University