The new British Archaeological Awards
British Archaeological Awards were launched in 1976 and have been held biennially ever since. They have become accepted as the most prestigious as well as most wide ranging archaeological awards in Britain, incorporating every aspect of British archaeology. Judging for the 2008 Awards starts in July, to culminate in an exciting ceremony to be held in the British Museum on 10 November, where sponsors, the short-listed nominees, judges, other archaeologists and press can meet each other.
These Awards were overhauled and re-launched in 2007 under the chairmanship of Prof David Breeze, to appreciate the greater professionalisation of archaeology, increased public interest and involvement, and more varied means for disseminating knowledge. The Awards that are being competed for this summer are
Both quality and quantity of entrants is high this year, and this November should see the very best of British archaeology 2006-2008 receiving its proper reward. New sponsors are always needed to help to run this event and to give archaeologists, whether amateur or professional, the recognition they deserve. Sponsors of the event are currently
the Association for Industrial Archaeology; Atkins Heritage; Cadw; Cathedral Communications; Channel 4; English Heritage; Historic Scotland; Institute of Field Archaeologists; the National Trust; Neill Tools; Robert Kiln Trust; the Society of Antiquaries of London.
For further information see www.britarch.ac.uk/awards
Alison Taylor July 2008
Hon Sec, British Archaeological Awards
Alison.taylor@archaeologists.net
Illustration: Mick Aston, presenter of the awards, with the two winners of the Young Archaeologist of the Year Award 2006.