Sonia Alconini awarded the 2025 Research Award at Shanghai World Archaeology Forum

“Imperial Entanglements: Re-writing the Inka Frontier from the Borderlands,” a project led by Sonia Alconini, was awarded the 2025 Research Award at the Shanghai World Archaeology Forum (SAF). This organization is one of the most prestigious international platforms for archaeological research, established by the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

Ten projects were selected worldwide in this category, in recognition of the exceptional scholarly value of their fieldwork and their significant contribution to archaeological research. The award was officially presented during the 6th Shanghai Archaeology Forum, held in Shanghai from 15 to 18 December 2025. The project was also featured in the Forum’s scientific program.

Alconini has been doing archaeological research on the frontiers of the pre-Columbian Inka empire for several decades. In her view, the study of ancient imperial frontiers offers a unique insight into the construction of an empire from the ground up. Her research also examines the impact of imperial frontiers and how these contested spaces affected the sociopolitical dynamics of ancient borderland populations. Currently, Alconini and her collaborators are conducting investigations at the Inka center of Samaipata, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the Elbow of the Andes. She is also collaborating with UNESCO to develop a Master Plan to protect the site. This award recognizes the importance of archaeological research in the discovery and protection of cultural heritage and the urgent need to establish conservation programs to develop sustainable initiatives that contribute to the flourishing of local communities.

Please join us in congratulating Prof. Alconini!

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