/ Medals and awards

Darwin Medal

This medal is awarded for work of acknowledged distinction in evolution, population biology, organismal biology and biological diversity

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    Date subject to confirmation

The award

The Darwin Medal is awarded for work of distinction in evolution, biological diversity and developmental, population and organismal biology. The Darwin Medal was created in memory of Charles Darwin FRS and was first awarded in 1890 to noted biologist and naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace FRS 'for his independent origination of the theory of the origin of species by natural selection.' The medal is of silver gilt, was awarded biennially until 2018 and is now awarded annually, and is accompanied by a gift of £2,000. 

Eligibility

The Darwin medal is open to UK/Commonwealth/Republic of Ireland 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. Teams or groups may now be nominated for this award. 

Nominations are closed

Nominations will reopen in November 2024.

2023 winner

  • Dr Peter Campbell

    Dr Peter Campbell

    The Darwin Medal 2023 is awarded to Dr Peter Campbell for his pioneering contributions to somatic evolution, including some of the most creative and influential studies of evolution in cancer and normal tissues. Image credit: Sanger Institute

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    Past winners

    • Peter Campbell
      Awarded in 2023

      Dr Peter Campbell

      For his pioneering contributions to somatic evolution, including some of the most creative and influential studies of evolution in cancer and normal tissues.
    • Martin Embley
      Awarded in 2022

      Professor Martin Embley FMedSci FRS

      For his fundamental, paradigm-changing contributions to the understanding of mitochondrial endosymbiosis and the origins of eukaryotes in a new two-domain tree of life.
    • Dolph Schluter
      Awarded in 2021

      Professor Dolph Schluter FRS

      For major and fundamental contributions to the understanding of the how species originate, adaptive radiations develop, and geographical patterns of biodiversity emerge and are maintained.
    • Robert Martienssen
      Awarded in 2020

      Professor Robert Martienssen FRS

      For outstanding contributions to genetics and epigenetics, including defining the role of RNA interference in inherited gene silencing and in genomic stability in the germ line.