Life Saver Award
Life Saver Award recognizes AIA members whose extraordinary efforts help AIA-sponsored events overcome unexpected disruptions, celebrating perseverance and sharing experiences that inspire societies.
Funder: Archaeological Institute of America
Due Dates: December 1, 2026 (Nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: Recognition award rather than research project funding
Summary: Honors AIA members whose extraordinary efforts help AIA-sponsored events succeed despite unexpected disruptions.
Key Information: Nominees must be AIA members whose efforts went above and beyond the call of duty.
Description
The Life Saver Award is a society award from the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) recognizing individuals who keep AIA-sponsored events on track when unexpected problems threaten carefully laid plans. It celebrates perseverance and resourcefulness in responding to disruptions such as freak storms, delayed flights, power outages, and venue issues. Rather than supporting a research project, the award honors exceptional efforts to make an event the best it can be.
The award also highlights the value of these experiences for AIA societies. Stories of overcoming event difficulties can inspire societies to create new kinds of events or reassure them about activities they already organize. Its focus is on members whose determination helps an event succeed even when things go wrong.
