/ Medals and awards

Royal Society David Attenborough Award and Lecture

This medal is given to an individual for outstanding and sustained public engagement with science

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  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

    Date subject to confirmation

The award

The Royal Society David Attenborough Award and Lecture is awarded annually to an individual for outstanding public engagement with science. The award, open to everyone, recognises high quality public engagement activities and complements the Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture. The award is named after the United Kingdom’s best-loved naturalist and broadcaster, and honorary Fellow of the Royal Society, David Attenborough. The medal is of silver gilt, is awarded annually and is accompanied by a gift of £2,500.

Eligibility

The Royal Society David Attenborough prize and lecture is open to UK/Commonwealth/Irish Republic citizens or those who have been residents for three or more years. There are no restrictions on career stage and nominations will remain valid and shall be considered by the award selection committee throughout three nomination cycles. 

For further information on the eligibility criteria and the nominations process, please see our guidance (PDF).

Nominations are closed

Nominations will reopen in November 2024.

2023 winner

  • Professor Richard Wiseman

    Professor Richard Wiseman

    The Royal Society David Attenborough Award and Lecture 2023 is awarded to Professor Richard Wiseman for his sustained and innovative public engagement with the psychology of magic and the nature of deception, and his exposure of pseudo-science through multiple routes including books, videos and festivals. Picture credit: Guy Hinks

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    Past winners

    • Richard Wiseman
      Awarded in 2023

      Professor Richard Wiseman

      For his sustained and innovative public engagement with the psychology of magic and the nature of deception, and his exposure of pseudo-science through multiple routes including books, videos and festivals.
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      Awarded in 2022

      Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam

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      Awarded in 2021

      Dr Adam Rutherford

      Delivered lecture: 'The Politics of DNA'.
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      Awarded in 2020

      Professor Alice Roberts

      Delivered lecture: 'Ancestors'.