Join us for our annual Long Man Lecture, with Raksha Dave

We are delighted to welcome Raksha Dave to deliver our annual Long Man Lecture in March 2026. We invite you to join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking evening with one of archaeology’s most dynamic and engaging voices. Hosted by our President, Mike Pitts, the lecture will take place in the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) at the University of Sussex.

A Conscious Uncoupling: Public Archaeology and Disrupting the Status Quo
Archaeology is often presented as a way of sharing the past with the public. But who really gets to decide which stories are told, how they are told, and who gets heard? And what happens when those gaps are filled by misinformation and pseudoarchaeology?

For the 2026 Long Man Lecture, the archaeologist, writer and broadcaster Raksha Dave calls for a conscious uncoupling from the habits and assumptions that have long shaped archaeology and how public archaeology as a practice has pushed innovation, disrupted traditional viewpoints and developed agendas. Drawing on her experience as a field archaeologist, broadcaster and public advocate, she explores how archaeology can move beyond simply “including” people, towards genuinely sharing power, listening to communities and challenging long-standing hierarchies. The lecture, hosted by The Sussex Archaeological Society, also considers how poor engagement, silence or exclusion can create space for pseudoarchaeology to flourish – and why responsible, open public archaeology matters now more than ever.

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 (November 2025) – hosted by Sandi Toksvig – 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 while bringing Members and the wider public together for an enjoyable annual event. Previous speakers have included 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

About the event

Date: Thursday 26th March 2026
Time: Doors open at 6.30pm, for a 7.30pm start
Venue: Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, University of Sussex, Gardner Centre Road, Brighton BN1 9RA
Age suitability: 16+