At the 2024 Annual Conference, BABAO’s third Service Award was awarded to Dr Rebecca Redfern.
I would like to nominate Rebecca Redfern for the BABAO Service award for all the work and time that she has graciously given in support of BABAO. Rebecca has been a long standing and resolute member of BABAO who has provided support in many ways to the organisation both as an active member and in trustee roles as Museum Representative and more recently as President. Rebecca has contributed a great deal to BABAO over the years, generously giving of her time and doing valuable work for aiding the ongoing development and recognition of BABAO.
Rebecca has played a key and significant role in BABAO as an organisation for having accessible guidance documents to assist with best practice in the field of bioarchaeology. In 2010 she was Chair of the working group which produced the publication of the first BABAO Code of Ethics, and in 2019 diligently undertook the work of updating and revising the BABAO Code of Ethics with June Jones and the Code of Best Practice. Updating the codes was a major task which Rebecca successfully achieved with sensitivity and careful attention to detail, to produce guidance documents that are an invaluable resource to the BABAO membership, bioarchaeological field and broader sphere. Rebecca in her working practices exemplifies the core values of the BABAO codes.
During her time as BABAO President Rebecca was proactive, diplomatic, and strove to achieve the best outcome for the membership and BABAO as an organisation. Following on from the EDI workshops Rebecca brought a considered and thoughtful approach to implement the realisation of the outcomes to be put in place for positive steps of change for BABAO. As President she tirelessly guided and steered BABAO during the challenging times of Covid working with integrity and determinedly with the trustees to enable BABAO to remain active and connected.
Rebecca takes time to listen, making sure everyone is included in the conversation, feels comfortable, is understanding and has empathy. With integrity, commitment, and wise administration BABAO was able to strengthen as an organisation during Rebecca’s tenure as BABAO President.
Not only has Rebecca made a special contribution to BABAO but has also made an outstanding contribution to osteoarchaeology with her expertise and tremendous research. And notwithstanding excellent writing for academic journals, book chapters and her comprehensive and instructive book Injury and Trauma in Bioarchaeology: Interpreting Violence in Past Lives. Rebecca is mindful, friendly, and always willing to help, encouraging collaboration and offering sage advice assisting students and researchers in the field.
Rebecca has had a positive influence in the field of bioarchaeology and has been an integral part of the progress made by BABAO over the years as an organisation. She is a great advocate for BABAO and continues to take an active role in the accomplishments of BABAO. Rebecca thoroughly deserves her commitment and hard work to be recognised with a Service Award.
Text prepared by Jelena Bekvalac (nominator).