THE University of Bradford has been presented with a coveted Queen's Anniversary Prize for its world-leading work in developing archaeological technology and techniques and its influence on practice, policy and society.

The prestigious accolade, which honours world-class excellence and achievement, is the highest form of national recognition that UK higher education institutions can achieve. The University has been honoured for its leadership and innovation in pioneering the techniques, technology and practices of archaeology both in the UK and worldwide.

First awarded in 1994, the biennial Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are awards within the nation’s honours system. They recognise outstanding excellence, genuine innovation and practical benefit across a range of work taking place in UK higher and further education.

The University has, for over 40 years, been at the forefront of archaeological development, from the establishment of the world’s first course in archaeological science, to the pioneering and development of geophysical prospection as a fundamental activity, and more recently the exploitation of digital technology and the online opportunities to reconstruct, visualise and interpret heritage in new ways and to engage an ever-wider public, including as partner citizen scientists.

The University has trained undergraduate and postgraduate students who have gone on to be world-leading practitioners, informed and shaped the estate management of some of the largest custodians of heritage, influenced national and local government policy, and continues to be at the forefront of new discoveries and interpretations at Stonehenge, one of the world’s most iconic World Heritage sites, and possibly its most famous archaeological site.

It has developed the means to recreate and rebuild heritage lost to disaster - natural and manmade. Through a unique blend of archeology and psychology, it is enabling people, including health and social care professionals, to connect with the distant past and in so doing to engage in positive discussions about death, bereavement, and end-of-life, informing and improving professional practice.

Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said:

“We are extremely proud and honoured to be awarded The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our achievements in leading the development of archaeological practice, and delivering tangible scientific, economic and societal impact.

"The University has an established record in carrying out truly great research that significantly impacts on the world. The Queen’s Anniversary Prize demonstrates the difference that the University of Bradford is making in influencing not only how archaeology is practised but how, like all our research, it can be applied to benefit real lives now, in the UK and across the world.”