Roberta Gilchrist and Hella Eckardt nominated in Current Archaeology Awards!

RobertaGilchrist_3283-e (1)Professor Roberta Gilchrist has been nominated for ‘Archaeologist of the Year’ in the 8th Annual Current Archaeology Awards.

Roberta’s nomination recognises her work as a pioneer of social approaches to medieval archaeology, a champion of equal opportunities, and her work with Norwich Cathedral and Glastonbury Abbey. The full nomination reads:

“Roberta Gilchrist is Professor of Archaeology at the University of Reading.  She has pioneered social approaches to medieval archaeology, opening up new questions on gender and age and publishing important studies on medieval nunneries, hospitals, castles, and burials. Roberta has been a champion for equal opportunities, promoting women in archaeology and leading initiatives to integrate disability into the teaching of archaeological fieldwork. She was archaeologist to Norwich Cathedral and published a major study of Norwich Cathedral Close. Her monograph on the excavations at Glastonbury Abbey (1904–79) has just been published, making the results of 36 seasons of antiquarian excavations available for the first time. She is currently working with the Abbey on digital reconstructions and educational resources to make this work accessible to visitors.”

 

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Dr Hella Eckardt’s book ‘Objects and Identities: Roman Britain and the North-Western Provinces’ has been nominated for ‘Book of the Year’!

“Every object, however humble, has a tale to tell, and in this fascinating book carefully-chosen case studies tease out the ways that artefacts reflect their owners’ values and aspirations. From utilitarian kit to imported luxury goods, the items examined paint a vivid picture of regional variation, and approaches to consumption and display.”

 

You can cast your vote for both nominees here.

Dr Hella Eckardt wins Faculty of Science prize for Best Research Output

HellaEckardt_1940_wCongratulations to Dr Hella Eckardt, who has won the Faculty of Science prize for Best Research Output for her single author volume: Objects and Identities – Roman Britain and the North-western Provinces.

Hella’s book won the prize against stiff competition from all the Schools in the Faculty of Science. Ben Cosh, Dean of Science, described the book as an outstanding example of Reading’s world leading research in Heritage, Creativity & Values.  He went on to say: ‘As far as it is possible for a non-specialist to draw such a conclusion, it seems clear to me that you have introduced an entirely novel theoretical approach and methodology in the use of artefacts and the integration of archaeological evidence during consideration of fundamental aspects of our culture and heritage. I fully concur with the expectation expressed in the supporting nomination that this work will bring about a step-change in how artefacts are used in archaeological investigation and that, as such, it will have a major influence on the manner in which a range of social and economic questions are addressed by researchers worldwide.’