Research Culture Celebrations for Cambridge Archaeologists

Dr Rebecca Roberts and Prof Cameron Petrie

Dr Rebecca Roberts and Prof Cameron Petrie were nominated for the Research Culture Celebration Award due to their leadership of the Mapping Archaeological Heritage in South Asia (MAHSA) Projection and their commitment to creating a comfortable and collaborative work environment. Rebecca and Cameron have cultivated a research culture in the MAHSA Project that is inclusive, empathetic and deeply supportive of personal culture.

Rebecca and Cameron actively celebrate South Asian cultures, making cultural inclusivity a core value at MAHSA. Rebecca’s commitment to empowering women was central to the founding of South Asian Women in the Field Network (SAWIF), where women find a safe space to address issues impacting their careers. SAWIF has empowered early-career women to voice concerns, network with other researchers and has lead to the development of a white paper on recruitment challenges.

Rebecca and Cameron’s mentorship has extended beyond immediate project goals, as they actively support both staff and scholars from South Asia in pursuing research and networking opportunities. Through the SHARE internship program, they welcomed interns from diverse backgrounds and provide them with invaluable research experience. Even for those who simply express an interest in MAHSA’s work, Rebecca and Cameron have created a space where newcomers feel supported and guided. They have also fully supported team members in pursuing additional academic and professional roles.

A positive research culture is central to their leadership, as is their commitment to team members’ professional interests. They encourage early-career researchers to publish and provide mentorship throughout. When recent visa regulations shifted, Rebecca and Cameron liaised with HR, funders, and university immigration support to ensure team members were supported and had their visas secured in a timely manner. They also made it clear that project funds would cover visa fees, underscoring their commitment to inclusivity and job security.

Reverseaction

We are delighted to announce that Reverseaction has been nominated for the prestigious Research Culture Celebration Award. This recognition highlights the project's dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive research environment, combining academic excellence with a culture of mutual respect. The project, developed between the Department of Archaeology in Cambridge and the Museo del Oro in Bogotá, focuses on the production of luxury technologies in pre-colonial stateless societies in Colombia.

What sets Reverseaction apart is its commitment to sharing knowledge and tasks among team members, ensuring that everyone’s contributions are valued, regardless of their role. Regular meetings, workshops, and peer reviews play a crucial role in maintaining open communication, enhancing research quality, and fostering a culture of collaboration and confidence. This approach has led to stronger, more impactful publications, benefiting from collective input and feedback.

Beyond academic excellence, the team also prioritises well-being through flexible working arrangements and mutual support, creating a positive, stress-relieving environment. This nomination is a testament to the power of teamwork, respect, and shared goals in advancing both knowledge and the well-being of its members.