As the most prestigious prizes awarded by the RSE, the RSE’s Medals are nominated by Fellows only and awarded to individuals and groups to recognise their truly exceptional contributions and achievements to their field.

The medals programme was revised in 2022 to pay tribute to eminent women for their input across all academic disciplines in Scotland and recognise previously unrepresented sectors. The RSE awards five subject-specific categories to outstanding senior and early-career researchers following the relaunch:

Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Business, Public Service and Public Engagement

Earth and Environmental Sciences Life Sciences

Physical, Engineering and Informatic Sciences

Additionally, as part of the relaunch of the RSE Medals, the Mary Somerville Medal celebrates outstanding achievements in teamwork and collaborative endeavour nationally and internationally.

The RSE welcomes and encourages Fellows to nominate talented individuals and teams from all fields of study during the yearly nomination period in the autumn.

Opportunities for Fellows

  • Making nominations for RSE Medals, which include early career and senior medals and the royal medals (the RSE’s highest accolade)

To get involved, contact our team at [email protected].

Explore RSE medals activity

The RSE’s prestigious medals are nominated by RSE Fellows and awarded to individuals to recognise truly exceptional contributions and achievements.
The RSE relaunches its medals to better reflect the important and often overlooked input of women to the sciences, arts, and letters in Scotland.
The RSE announces nine recipients of its esteemed medals, which recognise exceptional contribution and achievement across all academic disciplines.
The RSE has announced the 2022 recipients of the RSE Innovator’s Public Engagement Medal and RSE Senior Public Engagement Medal.
These medals recognise individuals who are exemplary at communicating, facilitating engagement, and advancing public discussion on significant matters.
These medals recognise individuals who are exemplary at communicating, facilitating engagement, and advancing public discussion on significant matters.

HOW FELLOWS CAN GET INVOLVED WITH