Long Man Lecture 2026: Raksha Dave

About

The Sussex Archaeological Society is thrilled to announce that Raksha Dave will deliver the 2026 Long Man Lecture. The Society invites you along for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening with one of archaeology's most dynamic and engaging voices. The event, hosted by our President Mike Pitts, will take place in the Attenborough Lecture Theatre at the University of Sussex – an opportunity to hear Raksha share fresh insights, big ideas, and the stories that bring the past vividly to life.

Raksha Dave is a Field Archaeologist, Public Archaeologist, Author, and Broadcaster, and currently serves as President of the Council for British Archaeology. A graduate of the UCL Institute of Archaeology, she has worked on research excavations around the world, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Çatalhöyük in Turkey, as well as building a distinguished career in contract archaeology across the UK.

Raksha is also known for her growing presence on screen. Her brand-new television series Hidden Wonders – hosted by Sandi Toksvig and currently being broadcast – uncovers extraordinary archaeological discoveries, revealing the surprising and moving stories behind them. This landmark series further highlights Raksha's commitment to making archaeology accessible, relatable, and exciting for audiences everywhere.

Her other television credits include Time Team, Digging for Britain, Digging Up Britain's Past, and The Great Plague. In 2023, her debut book Lessons from Our Ancestors was published and shortlisted in the Discover category of the British Book Awards. With Hidden Wonders continuing into 2025 and beyond, Raksha Dave's work is helping to reshape how we see – and value – our shared past.

About the Long Man Lecture:

Founded in 2023, the Long Man Lecture series aims to share new ideas and perspectives from some of the brightest minds across heritage, the arts and policy, helping the Society to fulfil its charitable mission as well as bringing our Members and the wider public together for an enjoyable annual event. Previous speakers have been Professor Janina Ramirez, "Why Writing Women Back into History Matters", and Professor Alexandra Harris "Neighbours Through Time – Local Lives, Infinite Visions".

"We are delighted Raksha Dave has accepted our invitation to deliver the Long Man Lecture in 2026. As broadcaster, writer, public figure and professional archaeologist, she is both a heritage-sector star and inspirational champion. We are hugely looking forward to welcoming her and learning from her as an organisation and community"

Matt Pope, Vice-Chair of The Sussex Archaeological Society