A US-based Nigerian research archaeologist, Mr. Abidemi Babalola has won the prestigious Dan David Prize, the world’s largest award for history research, receiving a cash prize of $300,000.
According to The Times of Israel, Babalola was honoured at a ceremony held in Italy. He is currently an anthropological archaeologist at the British Museum, where he uses material science to uncover the technological history of premodern West Africa.
His groundbreaking research has reshaped global understanding of glass production in Africa, demonstrating that the technology was developed independently on the continent long before European colonization.
In addition to his academic work, Babalola is actively engaged in public outreach in Nigeria. He works to connect communities with their historical heritage by sharing insights from his archaeological research.
He also serves as the lead archaeologist for the construction of the upcoming Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), scheduled to open in Benin City, Nigeria.
Each year, the Dan David Prize recognizes nine early-career scholars from across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, each receiving a $300,000 award. This year’s winners were praised for work ranging from investigations into Nazi death camps to new insights into African glassmaking technologies.
The Dan David Prize is administered by the Dan David Foundation and is awarded for outstanding contributions to the study of history and related fields that deepen our understanding of the human past.
