Professor Conneller, Professor of Early Prehistory, is an internationally recognised expert on the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic eras, contributing significantly to our understanding of early prehistoric lives, including being awarded the British Academy’s Grahame Clark medal in 2025 in recognition of her contributions to the study of prehistoric archaeology.

Professor Conneller said: ‘I am extremely honoured to have been elected a fellow of the British Academy. I look forward to contributing to the work of this champion of the humanities.’

This year’s newly elected Fellows, alongside 32 International Fellows and two Honorary Fellows, have been elected in recognition of their exceptional achievements and represent a broad spectrum of expertise.

The British Academy is the UK’s national academy for the humanities and social sciences.

The 92 new Fellows of the British Academy join a community of over 1,800 scholars who share a commitment to advancing the humanities and social sciences.

Current British Academy Fellows include classicist Professor Dame Mary Beard, the historian and expert on China Professor Rana Mitter and philosopher Professor Baroness Onora O’Neill. Professor David Olusoga, Baroness Brenda Hale, and Professor Gary Younge are also among its Honorary Fellows.

Professor Susan J. Smith PBA, President of the British Academy, said: “I am delighted to welcome our newest Fellows to the British Academy. Each has made an outstanding contribution to their field, and together they reflect the remarkable breadth and depth of scholarship across our disciplines. 

 "At a time when society is grappling with radical uncertainty in the face of technological, economic and environmental change, the humanities and social sciences have never been more important. Insights from economics, geography and political studies help us navigate geopolitical tensions, while literature, history and philosophy – to name a few of the disciplines the Academy represents – fuel our creative industries and help people to better understand themselves and each other.

"Our new fellows join a community of scholars with unparalleled expertise, dedicated to advancing research, fostering collaboration across disciplines and demonstrating the value of the humanities and social sciences. I am proud to give my warmest congratulations to them all on their election today.”

The full list of new British Academy Fellows for 2026 is available at https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/news/92-new-fellows-welcomed-to-the-british-academy-in-2026/

Press release adapted with thanks to the British Academy