Professor Conneller was recognised for transforming understanding of the Mesolithic period in the 21^st century, specifically her new synthesis of the period, the first for nearly a century. She has also excavated several high-profile Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites which have contributed significantly to our understanding of early Prehistoric lives.

Professor Conneller said: ‘I am delighted and surprised to receive this honour. I hope I have managed to stimulate greater interest in a period that has been unloved and neglected. Archaeology is a collaborative enterprise and I would very much like to acknowledge my collaborators – academic, commercial and amateur alike - who have made archaeology so enjoyable and from whom I continue to learn a lot.’

The Grahame Clark medal is awarded annually by the British Academy and is given to academics who have been nominated by Fellows of the Academy for their contributions to the study of prehistoric archaeology.

Endowed in 1992 by Professor Sir Grahame Clark, a highly influential British archaeologist renowned for his holistic approach to prehistory, which incorporated ecological, anthropological, and economic perspectives, the medal has only been awarded to a handful of female scholars since 1993.

The award was made as part of the British Academy’s annual suite of prizes and medals, awarded to academics who have made invaluable contributions to the humanities and social sciences that have shaped a better understanding of our world.

Among those celebrated were archaeologists, linguists, political scientists and classicists from all over the world including the UK, Germany, Australia and the USA.

The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences. For a full list of 2025 award winners, visit www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/prizes-medals/