/ 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.

  • Opening date

  • Closing date

  • Winners announcement

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 (PDF). 

Nominations are closed

Nominations will reopen in November 2024.

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

    • Downloads

    Past winners

    • Sarah Franklin
      Awarded in 2023

      Professor Sarah Franklin

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

      Dr Philip Ball

      Delivered lecture: 'Remaking Ourselves'.
    • blank avatar
      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?'.
    • blank avatar
      Awarded in 2019

      Simon Schaffer

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

      Mark Jackson

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

      Michela Massimi

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

      Jon Agar

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

      Hasok Chang

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

      Roger Highfield

      Delivered lecture: 'Heroes of science'.
    • blank avatar
      Awarded in 2010

      Melvyn Bragg

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

      David Edgerton

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