Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture

This award is given for excellence in communicating science to UK audiences

  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

    Date subject to confirmation

The award

The Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture is awarded annually to the scientist or engineer whose expertise in communicating scientific ideas in lay terms is exemplary. The award is named after Michael Faraday FRS, the influential inventor and electrical pioneer who was prominent in the public communication of science and founded the Christmas lectures at the Royal Institution. The medal is of silver gilt, is awarded annually and is accompanied by a gift of £2,500.

Eligibility

The Michael Faraday 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 Anil K Seth

    Professor Anil K Seth

    The Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture 2023 is awarded to Professor Anil K Seth for his ability to inspire and communicate concepts and advances in cognitive neuroscience and consciousness, and therefore what it means to be human, to the public.
  • Past winners

    • Anil K Seth
      Awarded in 2023

      Professor Anil K Seth

      For his ability to inspire and communicate concepts and advances in cognitive neuroscience and consciousness, and therefore what it means to be human, to the public.
    • blank avatar
      Awarded in 2022

      Professor Monica Grady CBE

      Delivered lecture: 'Astronomy by Microscope'.
    • blank avatar
      Awarded in 2021

      Professor Sophie Scott CBE FBA FMedSci

      Delivered lecture: 'Funny, peculiar? The Science of Laughter'.
    • David Spiegelhalter
      Awarded in 2020

      Sir David Spiegelhalter OBE FRS

      Delivered lecture: 'Communicating statistics in the time of Covid'.