/ Medals and awards

Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal and Lecture

This prize lecture is given on a subject relating to the history of science, philosophy of science or the social function of science.

Nominate here Nomination guidance (PDF)

  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

    Exact date TBC

The award

The Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal and Lecture is given for excellence in a subject relating to the history of science, philosophy of science or the social function of science. The Wilkins, Bernal and Medawar lectures were originally delivered as three separate lectures, each given triennially. Since 2007, they have been combined under the one title of the Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Lecture. The medal is of bronze, is awarded annually and is accompanied by a gift of £2,000. 

Eligibility

The Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar medal 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.

Nominations are open

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

2024 winner

  • Professor Matthew Cobb

    Professor Matthew Cobb

    The Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal and Lecture 2024 is awarded to Professor Matthew Cobb for his work documenting the history of biology as both an author and broadcaster. Picture credit: Douglas Vernimmen

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Past winners

  • Sarah Franklin
    Awarded in 2023

    Professor Sarah Franklin

    For her research into, and advocacy for, the social aspects of new reproductive technologies.
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    Awarded in 2022

    Dr Philip Ball

    Delivered lecture: 'Remaking Ourselves'.
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    Awarded in 2021

    Professor June Barrow-Green

    Delivered lecture: 'The History of Women and Maths'.
  • Jim Al-Khalili
    Awarded in 2020

    Professor Jim Al-Khalili OBE FRS

    Delivered lecture: 'What is (Quantum) Life?'.
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    Awarded in 2019

    Simon Schaffer

    Delivered lecture: 'Defining science through history'.
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    Awarded in 2018

    Mark Jackson

    Delivered lecture: 'Life begins at 40: the biological and cultural roots of the midlife crisis'.
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    Awarded in 2017

    Michela Massimi

    Delivered lecture: 'Why philosophy of science matters to science'.
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    Awarded in 2016

    Jon Agar

    Delivered lecture: 'The curious history of curiosity-driven research'.
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    Awarded in 2015

    Hasok Chang

    Delivered lecture: 'Who cares about the history of science?'.
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    Awarded in 2012

    Roger Highfield

    Delivered lecture: 'Heroes of science'.
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    Awarded in 2010

    Melvyn Bragg

    Delivered lecture: 'Notes from an Amateur: On the History of the Royal Society'.
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    Awarded in 2009

    David Edgerton

    Delivered lecture: 'The social function of history: policy, history and twentieth-century science'.