Dr. Penny Spikins is Professor of the Archaeology of Human Origins at the University of York. Her research particularly focuses on how archaeological evidence can contribute to our understanding of human social and emotional dynamics. Her recent book, ‘Hidden Depths: The origins of human connection’ (White Rose University Press, open access) argues that a selection for pro-social emotional motivations has been the driving force behind human evolution. She was awarded the 2026 Prehistoric Society Europa Prize for her research on the Neanderthals and the archaeological of human origins.