Pomerance Award for Scientific Contributions to Archaeology
Pomerance Award for Scientific Contributions to Archaeology honors scientists and teams for sustained interdisciplinary work with archaeologists that advances archaeological science, rather than funding new projects.
Funder: Archaeological Institute of America
Due Dates: June 1, 2027 (Nomination deadline)
Funding Amounts: Recognition award for scientific contributions, rather than proposed-project funding
Summary: Honors scientists and teams whose interdisciplinary work with archaeologists has made distinguished, sustained contributions to archaeological science.
Key Information: Previous Pomerance Award winners are ineligible.
Description
The Archaeological Institute of America’s Pomerance Award for Scientific Contributions to Archaeology recognizes distinguished and sustained achievements in archaeological science. It honors completed contributions rather than funding a proposed research project. Professional scientists, amateur scientists, and teams may be nominated for interdisciplinary work carried out in close collaboration with archaeologists.
The award emphasizes impactful contributions to the field, significant archaeological questions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global or multiregional influence. Graduate student training and public-facing scholarship are also relevant where applicable. Past recipients illustrate its breadth, with work in organic residue analysis, archaeobotany, stable isotope chemistry, ancient protein analysis, radiocarbon dating, and ancient materials and technologies. The Pomerance Science Medal Committee oversees selection, subject to approval by the AIA’s Governing Board.
