Image: Paul S. AmundsenDr Philip Riris, Senior Lecturer in Archaeological & Palaeoenvironmental Modelling is among the exceptional researchers announced as a winner of the 2025 Philip Leverhulme Prize in Archaeology.
The award from the Leverhulme Trust is in recognition of his research projects exploring the history and culture of human populations in South America; these projects take place in some of the most ecologically important regions in the world.
Philip Leverhulme Prizes have been awarded annually since 2001. They recognise the achievements of outstanding researchers whose work has attracted international recognition and whose future career is exceptionally promising.
Dr Riris is currently leading a project to explore how human occupation throughout history has affected the Brazilian Atlantic Forest – one of the world’s most threatened tropical forests. The project aims to support future conservation work by understanding the impact the last 500 years of human activity has had.
Other recent research he has led include a study into how past human populations recovered from extreme events such as volcanic eruptions and war to build up resilience for future disturbances. He was also part of an international team which studied the largest known prehistoric rock carvings in the world – the largest measuring 40 metres - that they discovered along the Orinoco River in Venezuela and Colombia.
Dr Riris said, "I'm humbled and grateful to receive this award in recognition of my research, and excited by the opportunities it affords me to pursue new horizons. I am thankful to all the collaborators and colleagues who have inspired and informed my work, and hope earnestly to continue our innovative and interdisciplinary work across tropical South America and beyond.”
As a winner of the Leverhulme award, Dr Riris receives a £100,000 grant to support his research.
