Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Archaeological Achievement
The AIA Gold Medal Award honors a scholar for outstanding lifetime achievements in archaeological research, fieldwork, teaching, and service, with a medal and symposium at the AIA Annual Meeting.
Funder: Archaeological Institute of America
Due Dates: November 15, 2026 (Nomination submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: Honorary award; includes a medal, citation, and symposium—no monetary funding.
Summary: Recognizes a scholar for distinguished lifetime contributions to archaeology through research, fieldwork, teaching, and service.
Key Information: Nominees are typically senior scholars; AIA membership is normally expected.
Description
The Gold Medal Award for Distinguished Archaeological Achievement is the highest honor conferred by the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA). Presented annually at the AIA Annual Meeting, this award recognizes a scholar who has made exceptional contributions to the field of archaeology, primarily through research and/or fieldwork, but also considering achievements in teaching and service. The recipient is celebrated with a medal, a formal citation, and a symposium in their honor during the Annual Meeting.
