/ Medals and awards

Royal Society Athena Prize

This prize is awarded biennially to teams who have contributed most to the advancement of diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics within their communities.

  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

    Exact date TBC

The Award

The Royal Society Athena Prize is awarded biennially (in even years) for teams working in UK academic and research communities, who have contributed most to the advancement of diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) within their communities. The Royal Society Athena Prize was established in 2016 and is provided by a gift to the Society. The recipients of the prize receive a medal and a gift of £5,000.

Eligibility

The Royal Society Athena prize is open to teams working in the UK academic or research communities. There are no restrictions on career stage and nominations will remain valid and shall be considered by the award selection committee for one nomination cycle only. Please read the full eligibility criteria (PDF) and guidance for self-nominators (PDF) documents before submitting a nomination. 

 

Nominations are closed.  

Nominations will reopen in November 2025. 

 

 

2024 winner

  • In2STEM Team

    In2STEM Team

    The Royal Society Athena Prize 2024 is awarded to the In2STEM Team at In2scienceUK for their longstanding commitment to and proven impact in supporting young people from low socio-economic backgrounds to pursue STEM careers.

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Past winners

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    Awarded in 2022

    The STEM Participation & Social Justice team (IOE, UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society)

    For their cutting-edge research and development projects which have increased understanding, transformed practice, and led to more equitable participation in STEM.
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    Awarded in 2020

    Dr Beth Montague-Hellen and Dr Alex Bond of LGBTQ+STEM

    For the team's pioneering work to boost the visibility of, and create a network for, LGBTQ+ people working in STEM fields.
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    Awarded in 2018

    Dr Emma Chapman

    For driving nationally impactful policy changes concerning sexual harassment issues in higher education.
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    Awarded in 2018

    The Communications Team at the Academy of Medical Sciences

    For an evidence-based, sustainable and impactful programme that has increased the visibility and participation of female scientists in the media.
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    Awarded in 2016

    The London Mathematical Society

    Awarded for their Women in Mathematics Committee in 2016. Introducing a broad range of initiatives in the field of mathematics resulted in a change of culture that has happened nationwide, leading the way in increasing the number of women in mathematics.