/ Medals and awards

Sylvester Medal

This medal is awarded for mathematical research

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The award

The Sylvester Medal is awarded annually for outstanding contributions in the field of mathematics. The award was created in memory of the mathematician James Joseph Sylvester FRS (PDF), who was Savilian Professor of Geometry at the University of Oxford in the 1880s. It was first awarded in 1901. The medal is of bronze, is now awarded annually and is accompanied by a gift of £2,000. 

Eligibility

The Sylvester 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 Miles Reid FRS

    Professor Miles Reid FRS

    The Sylvester Medal 2023 is awarded to Professor Miles Reid FRS for his exceptionally creative research and fundamental insights into higher-dimensional algebraic geometry, in particular the minimal model program for 3-folds, and for untiring work for the community of algebraic geometers.

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    Past winners

    • Miles Reid
      Awarded in 2023

      Professor Miles Reid FRS

      For his exceptionally creative research and fundamental insights into higher-dimensional algebraic geometry, in particular the minimal model program for 3-folds, and for untiring work for the community of algebraic geometers.
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      Awarded in 2022

      Professor D.R. Heath-Brown FRS

      For his many important contributions to the study of prime numbers and solutions to equations in integers.
    • Frances Kirwan
      Awarded in 2021

      Professor Frances Kirwan DBE FRS

      For her research on quotients in algebraic geometry, including links with symplectic geometry and topology, which has had many applications.
    • Bryan Birch
      Awarded in 2020

      Professor Bryan Birch FRS

      His work has played a major role in driving the theory of elliptic curves, through the Birch-Swinnerton-Dyer conjecture and the theory of Heegner points.