The Royal Society Buchanan Medal 2026 is a prestigious annual award recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of biomedical sciences. Established in memory of physician George Buchanan FRS, the award is open to citizens and long-term residents of the UK, Commonwealth, and Republic of Ireland. It features a silver gilt medal and a monetary gift of £2,000. For the 2026 cycle, the Royal Society accepts nominations for individuals, teams, or groups at any career stage. The nomination process remains valid across three cycles, and the current deadline for submissions is February 20, 2026.
Royal Society Buchanan Medal 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | The Royal Society (UK) |
| Award Type | Silver Gilt Medal + £2,000 Gift |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Field of Study | Biomedical Sciences |
| Eligibility | UK/Commonwealth/Ireland Citizens & Residents |
| Nomination Deadline | February 20, 2026 |
Royal Society Buchanan Medal Details
The Royal Society Buchanan Medal is one of the world’s most venerable scientific honors in the realm of medicine and biology. Since its inception in 1897, the medal has celebrated the legacy of Sir George Buchanan, a pioneer in public health and a former Chief Medical Officer of the United Kingdom.
Join our Telegram Channel for Instant Scholarship Updates
The medal is awarded to those who have made “distinguished contributions to the biomedical sciences,” which encompasses everything from laboratory-based research to large-scale clinical trials that alter global medical practice. A recent notable recipient is Sir Rory Edwards Collins, recognized for his transformative work with the UK Biobank and cardiovascular research. This award serves not only as a mark of high academic distinction but also as a catalyst for ongoing innovation in global health.
Royal Society Buchanan Medal 2026 Benefits
Tier 1: The Buchanan Medal and Financial Gift (£2,000)
- The Silver Gilt Medal: The primary honor is a physical silver gilt medal, symbolizing entry into an elite group of scientific leaders.
- Monetary Gift: The award is accompanied by a £2,000 cash gift to the recipient or winning team.
Tier 2: Recognition of Team and Group Excellence
- Collaborative Nominations: Unlike previous years, the Royal Society now explicitly encourages the nomination of teams or research groups that have collectively advanced biomedical science.
- Multi-Cycle Consideration: Nominees who are not successful in their first year remain under consideration for three consecutive nomination cycles, ensuring sustained visibility for high-impact work.
Tier 3: Career-Wide Impact and Visibility
- All-Stage Inclusion: There are no restrictions on career stage, allowing early-career researchers with breakthrough findings to compete alongside seasoned veterans.
- Global Scientific Networking: Winners gain immense visibility within the Royal Society’s international network of Fellows and scientific experts.
Eligibility Requirements for Royal Society Buchanan Medal 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Nominees must demonstrate significant, practice-altering contributions to any branch of the biomedical sciences.
- Study Status: While not a student scholarship, it is open to researchers, practitioners, and faculty members.
- Visa Status/Citizenship: Open to citizens of the UK, the Commonwealth, or the Republic of Ireland. Non-citizens are eligible if they have been resident in these regions for three or more years.
- Program Admission: Candidates must be nominated by peers; self-nominations are typically not accepted.
How to Apply for Royal Society Buchanan Medal 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program (Nomination): Access the Royal Society’s online grant and awards management system (Flexi-Grant) to begin the nomination proposal.
- Automatic Evaluation: The Society’s staff perform an initial check to ensure the nominee meets the residency and citizenship requirements.
- Eligibility Assessment: The Award Selection Committee reviews the scientific merit and impact of the nominee’s contribution to biomedical sciences.
- Notification of Award: Successful winners are notified in the months following the deadline, with a formal announcement typically released later in the year.
Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
For More Information Click HERE
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who was George Buchanan?
He was a prominent 19th-century physician and the former Chief Medical Officer of the UK, in whose memory the medal fund was created.
2. Can I nominate myself for the Buchanan Medal?
No, the award requires a nomination from a peer or colleague who can attest to your scientific contributions.
3. Is the medal awarded every year?
Yes, the Buchanan Medal is an annual award presented by the Royal Society.
4. What fields are covered under “biomedical sciences”?
It includes a broad range of disciplines such as clinical medicine, public health research, cardiovascular studies, genetics, and pharmaceutical sciences.
5. Can a group of researchers win the award?
Yes, the Royal Society has updated its rules to allow teams or research groups to be nominated for a single award.
6. I am not a UK citizen; can I still be nominated?
Yes, if you are a citizen of a Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland, or if you have lived and worked in these regions for at least three years.
7. What happens if I don’t win this year?
Nominations remain valid for three cycles, meaning you will be automatically considered for the award for the next two years without a new application.
8. Is there a career stage limit?
No, the medal is open to researchers at any career stage, from early-career innovators to senior professors.
9. How much is the cash prize?
The award includes a gift of £2,000 along with the silver gilt medal.
10. When is the exact deadline for 2026?
The deadline for submitting nominations for the 2026 cycle is February 20, 2026.
