/ Medals and awards

Royal Society David Attenborough Award and Lecture

This medal is given to an individual for outstanding and sustained public engagement with science.

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  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

The award

The Royal Society David Attenborough Award and Lecture is awarded annually to an individual for outstanding public engagement with science. The award, open to everyone, recognises high quality public engagement activities and complements the Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture. The award is named after the United Kingdom’s best-loved naturalist and broadcaster, and honorary Fellow of the Royal Society, David Attenborough. The medal is bronze, is awarded annually and is accompanied by a gift of £2,500.

Eligibility

The Royal Society David Attenborough Award and Lecture 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.

For further information on the eligibility criteria and the nominations process, please see our guidance (PDF).

Nominations are open

Nominations are now open and will close on 20 February 2026.

2025 winner

  • Dr Roger Highfield OBE FMedSci

    Dr Roger Highfield OBE FMedSci

    The Royal Society David Attenborough Award and Lecture 2025 is awarded to Dr Roger Highfield OBE FMedSci for a vast contribution to public engagement, reaching audiences of millions as a journalist, broadcaster, author, and through museum-led initiatives. Picture credit: Rob Lacey; Royal Academy of Engineering

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Past winners

  • Professor Hannah Fry
    Awarded in 2024

    Professor Hannah Fry

    For her prolific science communication activity as the foremost populariser of maths in the country who continues to inspire young people to pursue maths and physics in fun and exciting ways.
  • Richard Wiseman
    Awarded in 2023

    Professor Richard Wiseman

    For his sustained and innovative public engagement with the psychology of magic and the nature of deception, and his exposure of pseudo-science through multiple routes including books, videos and festivals.
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    Awarded in 2022

    Professor Sir Jonathan Van-Tam

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    Awarded in 2021

    Dr Adam Rutherford

    Delivered lecture: 'The Politics of DNA'.
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    Awarded in 2020

    Professor Alice Roberts

    Delivered lecture: 'Ancestors'.