RSE Lord Kelvin Medal

The RSE Lord Kelvin Medal recognises exceptional achievements in physical, engineering and informatic sciences (including mathematics) by an established career researcher.

This award meets with the Society’s strategic objective of increasing public understanding of science and the arts and humanities. The awardees are required to have a Scottish connection but can be based anywhere in the world.

Established career researcher definition: academics who are normally beyond 15 years from the award of their doctorate. This terminology takes no account of either an applicant’s age or current status in determining eligibility for this award. This does not include career breaks.

Nominations

The call for nominations for RSE Medals is currently closed.

About Lord Kelvin

William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin (1824 – 1907) was a mathematical physicist and engineer. At the University of Glasgow he worked on the mathematical analysis of electricity and the formulation of the first and second Laws of Thermodynamics. He did much to unify the emerging discipline of physics in its modern form. He also had a career as an electric telegraph engineer and inventor, which propelled him into the public eye. He was knighted by Queen Victoria for his work on the transatlantic telegraph project. Lord Kelvin is widely known for realising that there was a lower limit to temperature, absolute zero; absolute temperatures are stated in units of kelvin in his honour. When he was honoured for his achievements in thermodynamics he adopted the title Baron Kelvin of Largs and is therefore often described as Lord Kelvin. He was the first UK scientist to be elevated to the House of Lords and, despite offers of elevated posts from several world renowned universities, Lord Kelvin refused to leave Glasgow, remaining Professor of Natural Philosophy for over 50 years.

Medallists

2025

Professor Jonathan Cooper FREng FRSE, University of Glasgow

For his original contribution to research and innovation in disease diagnostics, exemplified by his publications in top journals and his portfolio of IP and spin-out companies, and commitment to delivering low-cost solutions for diagnostics and monitoring of diseases in East Africa. Professor Cooper also has an outstanding record of mentoring early-career researchers, especially towards successful fellowships, and advocacy through significant public engagement and educational outreach.

2024

Professor E Marian Scott OBE FRSE, University of Glasgow

For her ground-breaking statistical research which has transformed the application of statistical methods across different disciplines, including environmental science, radiocarbon dating, veterinary science and quantitative archaeology. Her research work has made significant influence on policy and practice, as demonstrated in her public service appointments to the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, EU Scientific Committee on Health, Environment and Emerging Risk, and the NERC Science Committee.  

2023

Professor Sharon Ashbrook FRSE, University of St Andrews

For her pioneering work using solid-state NMR spectroscopy to understand the local structure, disorder and chemical reactivity in inorganic materials. She is one of the world leaders in the emerging field of NMR crystallography. In addition to her scientific excellence, Ashbrook is also committed to extraordinary service to the community.

2022

Professor Christine Davies OBE FRSE, University of Glasgow

For her outstanding contribution to theoretical particle physics. Through her research, Professor Davies has developed techniques for accurate calculations in strong interaction physics that enable stringent tests of the Standard Model. Professor Davies has also extensively championed diversity, inclusion and public engagement.

2021

Professor Jane Hillston, University of Edinburgh

For her work, including developing the first compositional framework for the quantitative analysis of systems. This pioneering work has had widespread applications in engineered and natural systems.

2020

Professor Alan William Hood, University of St Andrews

For his internationally commended work in theoretical and computational solar physics has helped to enhance understanding of the solar atmosphere.

2019

Professor David Manlove University of Glasgow

For his outstanding contribution to computing science, whose pioneering work in matching algorithms and software has enabled a significant increase in living kidney transplants, thereby improving public health.

2018

Professor John Irvine FRSE, University of St Andrews

For his outstanding contribution to the field of energy materials research.

2017

Professor Polly Arnold OBE, FRSE, University of Edinburgh

For her outstanding contribution to the field of synthetic chemistry through her world-leading research on the lanthanide and actinide elements which has changed the way scientists think about these elements and particularly the behaviour of uranium’s oxide dication which is a major component of nuclear waste.

2016

Professor Anthony Doyle FRSE, University of Glasgow

For his outstanding contribution to the field of experimental particle physics, through developing critical analysis methods, which has led to major developments that have made possible the recent discovery of the Higgs Boson, and for his extensive public engagement activities.

2015

Professor Jason Reese FREng, FRSE, FIMechE, FInstP, University of Edinburgh

For his outstanding contribution to the field of Engineering both within the UK and internationally and for his commitment to the public engagement of science.