Awards of the XXI UISPP World Congress


Application deadline: 15 August 2026
Application Form


The XXI UISPP World Congress is pleased to announce five awards recognising outstanding contributions to prehistoric and protohistoric research, archaeological practice, scientific publication, public engagement, and academic excellence.

A. Award for Archaeological Excavation


This award honours archaeological excavation projects of international significance in the fields of prehistory and protohistory. Eligible projects should demonstrate more than 15 years of exceptionally high-quality fieldwork, site protection and conservation, public accessibility, a strong record of scientific publications, and public outreach activities.

B. Award for Archaeological Site Monograph


This award recognises comprehensive monographic publications on prehistoric or protohistoric sites that present complete stratigraphic and spatial data, architectural remains, artefact assemblages, and specialist studies (including geoarchaeology, archaeozoology, archaeobotany, palaeoclimatology, chronometric dating, etc.). Consideration will also be given to works incorporating 3D reconstructions, cultural modelling, and broader territorial analyses.

C. Award for Archaeology Book (Manual or Synthetising Study)


This award is intended for scholarly books that offer a substantial synthesis of research on a particular prehistoric or protohistoric period, geographical area, or thematic topic, reflecting extensive and sustained academic work. Popular publications intended primarily for a general audience are not eligible.

D. Award for Public Archaeology and Heritage Mediation


This award recognises outstanding initiatives aimed at communicating prehistoric or protohistoric archaeology to wider audiences. Eligible submissions include books and book series for the general public, illustrated publications for young readers, archaeological site conservation projects, prehistoric caves open to visitors, site museums, archaeological facsimiles, museum exhibitions, websites, and other forms of public engagement.

E. Award for an Outstanding PhD Dissertation in prehistoric or protohistoric Archaeology


This award is open to PhD degrees conferred from September 2023 onwards. Eligible dissertations must demonstrate originality, innovation, and a significant contribution to archaeological research. All dissertations must be available in one of the official UISPP languages (English or French).

Award panel


The panel is composed of members of the Congress Organising Committee and the UISPP Board:

  • Jacek Kabaciński (Professor; Polish Academy of Sciences)
  • Dirk Brandherm (PhD; Queen's University Belfast)
  • Éva David (PhD; CNRS-MNHN)
  • Iwona Sobkowiak-Tabaka (PhD habil.; Adam Mickiewicz University)
  • Andrzej Michałowski (Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, Professor; Adam Mickiewicz University)
  • Michał Krueger (PhD; Adam Mickiewicz University)

Award Ceremony


The awards will be presented during the UISPP General Assembly at the XXI World Congress.

Recipients of the Outstanding PhD Dissertation Award will receive complimentary registration for the next UISPP Congress.

How to Apply


Please complete the application form below and submit it, together with all supporting documentation, to:
iwona.sobkowiak-tabaka@amu.edu.pl
Please include the following subject line in your email:
“Application for UISPP Awards – [Award Category]”