Deadline: 20-Feb-2026
The Davy Medal is a prestigious annual award recognising outstanding research in chemistry, presented by the Royal Society. Open to researchers at any career stage worldwide, the medal includes a bronze award and a £2,000 gift, with nominations closing on 20 February 2026.
Overview
The Davy Medal is an internationally respected award that honours exceptional contributions to the field of chemistry. It is awarded annually by the Royal Society to recognise researchers whose work advances scientific knowledge, drives discovery, and shapes the future of chemical sciences.
The award celebrates excellence across all career stages, from emerging researchers to globally renowned scientists, and reflects the Royal Society’s commitment to recognising impactful and original research.
Purpose and Scope of the Award
The Davy Medal aims to highlight transformative achievements in chemistry that have significantly influenced the discipline.
The award recognises:
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Fundamental or applied chemical research of outstanding merit
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Original discoveries or sustained bodies of work
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Contributions that advance scientific understanding or enable new technologies
Eligible nominees may be working in academia, industry, or other research environments, provided their work demonstrates clear excellence in chemistry.
Award Details and Benefits
Recipients of the Davy Medal receive both symbolic and financial recognition.
Key features of the award include:
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A bronze Davy Medal
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A monetary gift of £2,000
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International recognition by the Royal Society
The medal is awarded once per year to an individual researcher or, where appropriate, a team or group.
Who Is Eligible?
The Davy Medal has broad eligibility criteria designed to ensure global inclusion.
Nominees must meet at least one of the following conditions:
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Be a citizen of the United Kingdom
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Be a citizen of the Commonwealth
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Be a citizen of the Republic of Ireland
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Have been resident in one of these regions for three or more years
There are no restrictions based on career stage, and both individual researchers and collaborative teams may be nominated.
Eligibility Restrictions and Exclusions
Certain governance-related restrictions apply to ensure fairness and independence in the selection process.
The following individuals are not eligible as nominees or nominators:
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Members of the Royal Society Council
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Members of the Premier Awards Committee
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Members of the Davy Medal selection committee
Where an award is externally funded, nominees must not be employed by the funding organisation.
Who Can Nominate?
There are no general eligibility restrictions for nominators.
Important points to note:
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Fellowship of the Royal Society is not required to act as a nominator
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Nominators must not serve on governing or selection committees related to the medal
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Self-nominations are generally not accepted unless explicitly stated for a specific award
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Some prizes may require nominee input, but the nomination itself must come from another individual
This open approach encourages nominations from across the global chemistry community.
Nomination Validity and Rollover Rules
Nominations for the Davy Medal remain active across multiple cycles.
Key rules include:
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Each nomination is valid for three nomination cycles
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Unsuccessful nominations automatically roll over unless circumstances change
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Nominators may update and strengthen submissions during each nomination window
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Restrictions may apply if a nominee has previously received a Royal Society Premier Award or certain subject-specific medals
These rules allow strong candidates multiple opportunities for consideration.
How to Submit a Nomination: Step-by-Step
All nominations must be submitted online through the Royal Society Awards system.
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Create or access an account in the Royal Society Awards system.
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Complete the nomination form, providing detailed information on the nominee’s contributions and impact in chemistry.
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Save progress as needed and return to the form before final submission.
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Review all sections carefully, as edits are not permitted after submission.
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Submit the completed nomination before the deadline.
Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered.
Nomination Deadline and Key Dates
Applicants and nominators should be aware of the full timeline.
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Nominations open: Now
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Nomination deadline: 20 February 2026
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Committee review and scoring: Early to mid-2026
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Completion of scoring: By mid-2026
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Council approval: July 2026
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Public announcement of winners: August 2026
Successful nominees and nominators are notified by email in advance of the public announcement.
How Nominations Are Assessed
Following the deadline, nominations undergo a structured peer-review process.
The process includes:
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Assessment and scoring by relevant expert committees
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Shortlisting of leading candidates
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Consultation with independent referees where required
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Final review and approval by the Royal Society Council
All decisions are final and reflect collective expert judgement.
Why the Davy Medal Matters
The Davy Medal holds long-standing significance within the global chemistry community.
It matters because it:
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Recognises exceptional scientific achievement without career-stage barriers
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Highlights chemistry’s role in advancing science and society
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Enhances the international visibility of award recipients
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Reinforces the value of sustained, high-impact research
The award continues to honour researchers whose work defines and advances the discipline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Nominators can strengthen submissions by avoiding these issues.
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Submitting nominations from ineligible committee members
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Missing the submission deadline
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Providing insufficient detail on the originality or impact of the work
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Failing to update nominations during rollover cycles when appropriate
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Attempting self-nomination where it is not permitted
Careful preparation and compliance with eligibility rules are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Davy Medal?
The Davy Medal is an annual Royal Society award recognising outstanding research contributions in chemistry.
Is the award limited to senior researchers?
No. Researchers at any career stage may be nominated, from early-career scientists to internationally established leaders.
What is the value of the award?
The medal is accompanied by a bronze award and a £2,000 gift.
Can teams or collaborative groups be nominated?
Yes. Teams or groups may be nominated where the work represents a collective contribution.
How long does a nomination remain valid?
Each nomination remains valid for three nomination cycles and rolls over automatically if unsuccessful.
Are self-nominations allowed?
No. Self-nominations are generally not accepted unless explicitly permitted for a specific award.
When will the winner be announced?
Winners are announced publicly in August 2026, following Council approval in July.
Conclusion
The Davy Medal 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity to recognise exceptional achievements in chemistry on a global stage.
With inclusive eligibility, a rigorous peer-review process, and international recognition, the award continues to honour researchers whose work advances knowledge and shapes the future of chemical science.
For more information, visit The Royal Society.
