UCL student shortlisted for Archaeology Award

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Marsh Archaeology Award

Sarah Dhanjal (UCL Institute of Archaeology) has been shortlisted for the 2009 Marsh Archaeology Award.

The award this year recognises and promotes high quality and engaging education work carried out in the UK with people under the age of 18. The award is made based on the following criteria:

• The contribution made to passing on archaeological knowledge and understanding about cultural heritage to young people in the last two years
• The level of engagement in a variety of different educational contexts
• The commitment shown to education work in archaeology over and above any formal, regular paid role.

Sarah is currently exploring attitudes to heritage, and particularly archaeology, in Southall, west London as part of her PhD research. Before this, Sarah worked for three years at UCL as a widening participation and diversity officer, running programmes to encourage the participation of underrepresented groups in archaeology and other subjects.

On receiving the nomination, Sarah said: "I'm really thrilled to have been nominated for the CBA's Marsh Archaeology Award. I'm very lucky to be based at UCL Institute of Archaeology, where my colleagues and our resources have made my work possible. It's great that the brilliant education work that all of the nominees are doing is being acknowledged. It's a real privilege to work with young people who share an interest in my subject."

In the last year Sarah has helped to plan events for National Archaeology Week, continued outreach work alongside her academic studies, run excavations and walking tours and taught sessions at local schools. She is also a volunteer branch leader for the Young Archaeologists' Club and continues to be an outreach worker for UCL Museums and Collections.

Dr Mike Heyworth MBE, Director of the CBA, explained the significance of the work carried out by the shortlisted candidates:

"For archaeology to be cared for and understood by future generations, it is essential that we pass on our knowledge and enthusiasm to young people. These six remarkable individuals do just that, conveying a passion for our cultural heritage which will stay with young people throughout their lives. Without their work, and the many others who take the time to educate, enthuse and guide young people to an understanding of the historic environment all around us, archaeology would face an uncertain future."

UCL context
The UCL Institute of Archaeology opened in 1937 and is now one of the largest archaeological departments in the world. It was ranked first in The Guardian's May 2008 League table of the top 30 institutions teaching archaeology in the UK.

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