معرفی
Ben Shaw is an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences at the University of New South Wales (UNSW). His research focuses on prehistoric archaeology in Papua New Guinea, particularly the Massim region, investigating topics such as Lapita culture, Kula exchange networks, and the impact of environmental changes on human societies. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in the Louisiade Archipelago, Simbai-Kaironk Valleys, and other coastal regions, analyzing settlement patterns, material culture, and migration through isotopic and geochemical methods.
Shaw's work explores the emergence of Neolithic practices in Highland New Guinea, the adaptation of populations to climatic shifts, and the development of complex social systems. His publications highlight interdisciplinary approaches, combining archaeology with chemistry, anthropology, and environmental science. He has received several awards, including the ARC Discovery Early Career Research Award (2016) and UNSW Collaborative Partnership Award (2019). His research contributes to understanding the peopling of the Pacific and the dynamics of island societies.
Key areas of focus include the origins of the Kula Ring, Lapita interaction with indigenous populations, and the role of pottery in regional exchange. His fieldwork spans decades, with notable projects on Rossel Island and Nimowa Island, examining pottery traditions, obsidian sourcing, and burial practices. Shaw collaborates extensively with international teams, contributing to global discussions on island colonization and prehistoric migration.
