Deadline: 20-Feb-2026
The Darwin Medal recognises outstanding scientific achievement in evolution, population biology, organismal biology, and biological diversity. Open to eligible UK, Commonwealth, and Republic of Ireland researchers or teams, the award offers up to £2,000 and is administered by the Royal Society through a competitive nomination process closing on 20 February 2026.
Royal Society Award for Excellence in Evolution and Biological Sciences
Overview of the Darwin Medal
The Darwin Medal is a prestigious award of the Royal Society, presented to recognise work of acknowledged distinction in the biological sciences. It honours exceptional contributions that advance understanding of evolution, population biology, organismal biology, and biological diversity.
The medal reflects the legacy of Charles Darwin by celebrating research that has significantly shaped modern biological thought and scientific knowledge.
Fields and Research Areas Covered
The Darwin Medal recognises impactful work in the following areas:
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Evolutionary biology
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Population biology
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Organismal biology
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Biological diversity and biodiversity research
Both theoretical and empirical contributions are eligible, provided they demonstrate sustained excellence and influence within the field.
Award Value and Recognition
Recipients of the Darwin Medal receive:
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A monetary award of up to £2,000
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Formal recognition from the Royal Society
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Inclusion in one of the UK’s most respected scientific honours programmes
The award may be given to an individual or a team, reflecting collaborative excellence in biological research.
Who Is Eligible?
Citizenship and Residency Requirements
Nominees must meet one of the following criteria:
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Be a citizen of the United Kingdom, a Commonwealth country, or the Republic of Ireland
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Or have been a resident in one of these regions for at least three years
Career Stage and Team Eligibility
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There are no restrictions on career stage
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Early-career, mid-career, and senior researchers are all eligible
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Teams or research groups may be nominated
Conflict of Interest Restrictions
To ensure fairness and independence:
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Nominees and nominators must not be members of:
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The Royal Society Council
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The Premier Awards Committee
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The relevant medal selection committee
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Where the award is externally funded, nominees must not be employed by the funding organisation
Self-nominations are not permitted for most Royal Society medals, including the Darwin Medal.
Nomination Validity and Cycles
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Nominations remain valid for three nomination cycles
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Re-submission is not required unless eligibility circumstances change
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This allows strong candidates to be reconsidered across multiple years
Why the Darwin Medal Matters
The Darwin Medal plays a vital role in:
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Recognising landmark contributions to biological science
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Highlighting research that advances understanding of life and diversity
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Encouraging excellence across a wide range of biological disciplines
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Upholding global standards of scientific achievement
It reinforces the importance of evolutionary and biological research in addressing global challenges such as biodiversity loss and ecosystem change.
How the Nomination Process Works
Step-by-Step Nomination Process
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Nominations open on Royal Society Anniversary Day, 1 December 2025
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Nominators submit applications via the Royal Society Awards system
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Nominations close on 20 February 2026 at 23:59 GMT
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Committees review and score nominations after the deadline
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Shortlisted nominations may undergo a second round of scoring
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Final discussions take place at spring selection meetings
Once submitted, nominations cannot be edited.
Review, Approval, and Final Decision
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Scores and deliberations remain confidential
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Recommendations for non-premier awards are sent to the Premier Awards Committee
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Final approval is granted by the Royal Society Council at its July meeting
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Royal Medal awards additionally require His Majesty’s approval, usually received by late July
Notification and Announcement Timeline
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Successful nominees and nominators are notified by email in July 2026
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Public announcement of winners takes place in late August 2026
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Royal Medal recipients are informed after formal approval
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Attempting self-nomination
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Submitting nominations after the deadline
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Naming nominators or nominees with conflicts of interest
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Assuming nominations must be resubmitted every year
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Trying to edit submissions after final submission
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Darwin Medal awarded for?
It recognises outstanding work in evolution, population biology, organismal biology, and biological diversity.
Who can be nominated?
Eligible individuals or teams from the UK, Commonwealth, or Republic of Ireland, or those resident for at least three years.
Are teams eligible for the Darwin Medal?
Yes. Research teams or groups may be nominated.
Is there an age or career-stage limit?
No. There are no restrictions on career stage.
Can nominees be reconsidered in future years?
Yes. Nominations remain valid for three nomination cycles.
How much is the award worth?
The Darwin Medal carries a monetary award of up to £2,000.
When do nominations close?
Nominations close on 20 February 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Conclusion
The Darwin Medal represents one of the Royal Society’s key honours for excellence in biological science. By recognising exceptional contributions to evolutionary and biological research, the award continues to celebrate scientific discovery that deepens understanding of life on Earth and shapes the future of biological inquiry.
For more information, visit The Royal Society.
