/ 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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  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

    Exact date TBC

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 now open

Nominations are now open and will close on 21 February 2025. 

2024 winner

  • Professor Paul Sharp FRS

    Professor Paul Sharp FRS

    The Darwin Medal 2024 is awarded to Professor Paul Sharp FRS for his work addressing the origins and evolution of HIV and the malaria parasite Plasmodium. Professor Sharp would like to thank Dr Beatrice Hahn for their contributions to this work.

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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.
  • Peter Holland
    Awarded in 2019

    Professor Peter Holland FRS

    For his work with many organisms and genes elucidating key aspects of how changes in the genome influence evolution of animal development.
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    Awarded in 2018

    Professor William Hill OBE FRS

    For his contribution to our understanding of the genetics of quantitative traits and response to selection. This work is fundamental for evolutionary biology, as well as having great economic significance.
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    Awarded in 2016

    Dame Caroline Dean DBE FRS

    For her work addressing fundamental questions in the perception of temperature cues and how modifications in epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in adaptation.
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    Awarded in 2014

    Professor John Sutherland FRS

    For his novel and convincing work on prebiotic chemistry, in particular his solution to the central problem of nucleoside synthesis.
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    Awarded in 2012

    Professor Timothy Clutton-Brock FRS

    For his outstanding work on the diversity of animal societies and demonstration of their effects on the evolution of reproductive strategies, the operation of selection and the dynamics of populations.
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    Awarded in 2010

    Professor Bryan Clarke FRS

    For his original and influential contributions to our understanding of the genetic basis of evolution.
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    Awarded in 2008

    Professor Geoffrey Parker FRS

    For his lifetime contribution to the foundations and development of behavioural ecology, in particular for understanding evolutionary adaptations and their consequences for natural populations.
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    Awarded in 2006

    Professor Nicholas Barton FRS

    For his major and extensive contributions to evolutionary biology, characterised by the application of sophisticated mathematical analysis but focussed on developing biological understanding rather than mathematical niceties.