Following an in-depth evaluation, the Royal Society of Edinburgh has revised its medals to better reflect the important, and often overlooked, input of eminent women to the sciences, arts, and letters in Scotland.
The Society’s newly-named medals pay tribute to renowned women whose work has had a lasting and worldwide impact, highlighting their talent and influence in research, business and public life.
The RSE’s esteemed medals recognise outstanding achievement. As Scotland’s National Academy, it is right that the Society should recognise the significant contribution of women to the nation’s scientific research and innovation, artistic and literary culture, and international reputation. Reforming and relaunching the RSE’s medals to honour these exceptional women goes some way towards doing that. Opportunities for women to advance and succeed were much less in the past. In some ways, they still remain less than for men. The RSE is clear that the achievements of women should be recognised and not ignored, now or in the future.”
Professor Charles W. J. Withers FBA FRSE FAcSS, RSE Research Awards Convener
In addition to the inclusion of women, the medal relaunch involves two new medals. The first recognises achievement in a sector previously unrepresented by the RSE: earth and environmental sciences. The other, for teamwork and collaborative endeavour, acknowledges outstanding achievement in joint endeavours and research. The inclusion of these new medals by the RSE more accurately represents the areas in which the Society recognises remarkable achievement and excellence.
RSE Medals are awarded to those nominated by RSE Fellows. To nominate please use the RSE members portal. The new RSE Medals programme opens today, and nominations are encouraged until 13:00 on 7 December 2022. Enquiries should be sent to [email protected].