/ Medals and awards

Royal Society Armourers & Brasiers' Company Prize

This award is made for excellent use-inspired research on structural or functional materials that is both fundamental and for the benefit of society

  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

    Date subject to confirmation

The award

The Prize was established with support from the Worshipful Company of Armourers & Brasiers', a livery company originally comprised of armourers and brass workers. The first award was made in 1985.

The Royal Society Armourers & Brasiers' Company Prize is awarded biennially (in even years), for excellence in basic research in functional or structural materials where the research is clearly motivated by use of these materials. The concept of 'use-inspired basic research' describes research seeking fundamental understanding that is motivated or inspired by considerations of practical use. The medal is of silver gilt, is awarded biennially and is accompanied by a gift of £2,000. 

Eligibility

The Royal Society Armourers and Brasiers’ Company prize is open to UK/Commonwealth/Republic of Ireland citizens or those who have been residents for three or more years. It is restricted to mid-career to senior scientists and nominations will remain valid and shall be considered by the award selection committee throughout three nomination cycles. 

Nominations are closed

Nominations will reopen in November 2025.

2022 winner

  • Professor Iain McCulloch FRS

    Professor Iain McCulloch FRS

    Professor Iain McCulloch FRS was awarded the 2022 Royal Society Armourers & Brasiers' Company Prize for making fundamental contributions to the application of materials chemistry to organic electronic applications, with an applied, results-oriented focus, always demonstrating translational impact and commercial potential.

    • Downloads

    Past winners

    • Iain McCulloch
      Awarded in 2022

      Professor Iain McCulloch FRS

      For making fundamental contributions to the application of materials chemistry to organic electronic applications, with an applied, results-oriented focus, always demonstrating translational impact and commercial potential.
    • blank avatar
      Awarded in 2020

      Professor George Smith FRS

      For his pioneering and leading the development of engineering alloys through the invention and application of the three-dimensional atom probe, making profound contributions to basic understanding and industrial applications.
    • Steven Armes
      Awarded in 2018

      Professor Steve Armes FRS

      For his pioneering development of colloidal nanocomposite particles. He has demonstrated many applications; his fruitful collaborations with companies has inspired three successful commercial products.
    • blank avatar
      Awarded in 2016

      Professor Neil Alford MBE FREng

      For his outstanding contributions to materials research with benefit to society, especially the development of ultra-low-loss microwave dielectrics for communications.