Rome: Mr Abidemi Babalola, a US-based Nigerian Research Archaeologist, has been awarded the prestigious Dan David Prize, recognized as the world's largest award for research in history.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Babalola received the $300,000 cash prize during a ceremony held in Italy. He is an anthropological archaeologist affiliated with the British Museum and is known for his work using material science to uncover the history of technological development in premodern West Africa. His research has significantly altered the understanding of glass production in Africa, establishing that it predated European colonialism and was developed independently in the region.
In addition to his research contributions, Babalola is actively engaged in public outreach in Nigeria, working to connect local communities with their historical heritage through his archaeological findings. He is currently the lead archaeologist for the upcoming Museum of West African Arts, which is slated to open in Benin City, Nigeria.
The Times of Israel papers revealed that each year, nine winners from Africa, Asia, Europe, and America, who are in the early stages of their careers, are selected to receive the $300,000 prize. This year's winners have been recognized for their diverse work, which includes exploring Nazi death camps through archaeological methods and rewriting the history of glass development and usage in Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Dan David Prize is an international award that honors outstanding contributions to the study of history and related disciplines that illuminate the human past. The prize is funded by the Dan David Foundation.