An archaeologist has been honoured for his pioneering work uncovering ancient landscapes.
Professor Vincent Gaffney, based at the University of Bradford, received the British Academy Landscape Archaeology Medal 2026, one of the highest accolades in the field.
The award recognises more than 40 years of research and his significant contributions to digital archaeology, including the mapping of more than 180,000 square kilometres of prehistoric land now submerged beneath the North Sea.
Professor Gaffney said: "I am deeply privileged to receive the British Academy Landscape Archaeology Medal.
"While this award recognises a personal journey, it also reflects the achievements of the many talented colleagues, researchers and students I have worked alongside over the years."
His research has helped reveal a vast “lost world” that once connected Britain to mainland Europe before it was submerged by rising sea levels following the last Ice Age.
Professor Gaffney said: "Archaeology is no longer simply about digging.
"Today, we use some of the world's most advanced technologies to understand landscapes and societies in ways previous generations could never have imagined, from large-scale digital mapping and geophysics to remote sensing, artificial intelligence and advanced visualisation.
"I'm particularly proud that so much of this work has taken place at Bradford, where archaeology, digital innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration have gone hand in hand for many years."
Professor Gaffney delivering his acceptance speech at the British Academy (Image: The British Academy)
He joined the University of Bradford in 2014 and went on to establish the Submerged Landscapes Research Centre, now a global leader in the investigation of inundated prehistoric landscapes and the study of how past environmental change shaped human societies.
Professor Sherif El-Khamisy, pro-vice-chancellor for research, innovation and global engagement at the University of Bradford, said: "Professor Gaffney’s work has transformed our understanding of the past by combining archaeological expertise with cutting-edge digital technologies.
"His research shows how innovation can unlock new knowledge, helping us better understand both ancient landscapes and some of the most pressing challenges facing society today, including environmental change and sustainability."
The British Academy's citation praised Professor Gaffney's role in pioneering new technologies to visualise the past and applying those same technologies to demonstrate archaeology's relevance to contemporary challenges, including climate change and the impact of environmental transformation.
Professor Susan J. Smith, president of the British Academy, said: "Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the British Academy prizes and medals.
"Their work exemplifies the rigour, expertise, creativity and intellectual ambition that define the humanities and social sciences."