Francis Crick Medal and Lecture

This prize lecture is given on a subject in the field of biological sciences

  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

    Date subject to confirmation

The award

The Francis Crick Medal and Lecture is awarded annually in any field in the biological sciences. Preference is given to genetics, molecular biology and neurobiology, the general areas in which Francis Crick worked, and to fundamental theoretical work, which was the hallmark of Crick’s science.

The lectureship was endowed by Sydney Brenner FRS in memory of Francis Crick FRS, the co-discoverer of the structure of the DNA molecule. The first lecture was given in 2003.  The medal is of bronze, is awarded annually and is accompanied by a gift of £2,000.

Eligibility

The Francis Crick medal and lecture is open to UK/Commonwealth/Republic of Ireland citizens or those who have been residents for three or more years. It is restricted to early career scientists with no more than 15 years since (not including career breaks) achieving their PhD 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.

2024 winner

  • Professor Stephen Fleming

    Professor Stephen Fleming

    The Francis Crick Medal and Lecture 2024 is awarded to Professor Stephen Fleming for tackling foundational questions about the neurobiology of conscious experience and advancing our understanding of the neural and computational basis of metacognition.
  • Past winners

    • Stephen Fleming
      Awarded in 2024

      Professor Stephen Fleming

      For tackling foundational questions about the neurobiology of conscious experience and advancing our understanding of the neural and computational basis of metacognition.
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      Awarded in 2023

      Dr Tiago Branco

      For making fundamental advances in the molecular, cellular and circuit bases of neuronal computation and for successfully linking these to animal decision behaviour.
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      Awarded in 2022

      Dr Serena Nki-Zainal

      Delivered lecture: 'DNA graffiti: Mutation patterns in human cancer and how to use them in medicine'.
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      Awarded in 2020

      Marta Zlatic

      Delivered lecture: 'How we learn, predict and decide: the circuit basis of behaviour'.