Hughes Medal

This medal is awarded to an outstanding researcher in the field of energy

  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

    Date subject to confirmation

The award

The Hughes Medal is awarded for outstanding contributions in the field of energy. The award was named after the scientist David E Hughes FRS (PDF) and was first awarded in 1902. Hughes was a Welsh-American scientist and musician who invented the first working radio communication system and the first microphone. The medal is of silver gilt, is awarded annually and is accompanied by a gift of £2,000.

Eligibility

The Hughes 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

  • Professor Erwin Reisner

    Professor Erwin Reisner

    The Hughes Medal 2023 is awarded to Professor Erwin Reisner for pioneering new concepts and solar technologies for the production of sustainable fuels and chemicals from carbon dioxide, biomass and plastic waste.
  • Past winners

    • Erwin Reisner
      Awarded in 2023

      Professor Erwin Reisner

      For pioneering new concepts and solar technologies for the production of sustainable fuels and chemicals from carbon dioxide, biomass and plastic waste.
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      Awarded in 2022

      Professor Saiful Islam

      For outstanding contributions to the deeper understanding of atomistic processes in new materials for use in energy applications, especially those related to lithium batteries and perovskite solar cells.
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      Awarded in 2021

      Professor John Irvine

      For the introduction of new concepts in Energy Materials science, including novel ionic conductors, electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells, alternative batteries and emergent nanomaterials.
    • Clare Grey
      Awarded in 2020

      Professor Clare Grey FRS

      For her pioneering work on the development and application of new characterization methodology to develop fundamental insight into how batteries, supercapacitors and fuel cells operate.