The Royal Society Davy Medal 2026 is a prestigious annual award recognizing an outstanding researchers in the field of chemistry. Established in 1877 in honor of the renowned chemist Humphry Davy FRS, the medal is open to citizens and residents of the UK, the Commonwealth, and the Republic of Ireland. The recipient receives a bronze medal and a £2,000 monetary gift. Nominations are open to individuals, teams, or groups across all career stages. The selection process considers the impact and innovation of chemical research, with the current nomination cycle closing on February 20, 2026.
Royal Society Davy Medal 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Organization | The Royal Society (UK) |
| Award Type | Bronze Medal + £2,000 Gift |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Field of Study | Chemistry |
| Eligibility | UK/Commonwealth/Ireland Citizens & Residents |
| Nomination Deadline | February 20, 2026 |
Royal Society Davy Medal 2026 Details
The Davy Medal is one of the oldest and most respected honors in the chemical sciences, first awarded in 1877. Named after the legendary chemist and inventor of the Davy Lamp, Humphry Davy FRS, the medal celebrates “outstanding researchers in the field of chemistry.”
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The award has historically recognized groundbreaking shifts in chemical understanding. Most recently, the 2025 medal was awarded to Professor Andrew Cooper FRS for his pioneering work in integrating autonomous robots and AI with computational chemistry. This prize serves as a significant milestone for chemists whose work pushes the boundaries of molecular science, technology, and interdisciplinary innovation.
Royal Society Davy Medal 2026 Benefits
Tier 1: The Davy Medal and Financial Prize (£2,000)
- The Bronze Medal: Awarded as a lifelong symbol of academic and research excellence in the chemical sciences.
- Monetary Gift: Includes a cash prize of £2,000 to support the recipient’s continued professional endeavors.
Tier 2: Team and Collaborative Recognition
- Group Nominations: The Royal Society now permits the nomination of entire research teams or groups, acknowledging the collaborative nature of modern chemistry.
- Extended Validity: Nominations remain active and are considered by the selection committee for three consecutive years (cycles).
Tier 3: Cross-Career Impact Recognition
- Career Stage Inclusivity: The award is designed for chemists at any stage, ensuring that both emerging innovators and established masters are recognized.
- Global Prestigious Network: Recipients are highlighted within the Royal Society’s vast global network, increasing the international profile of their research.
Eligibility Requirements for Royal Society Davy Medal 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Must demonstrate “outstanding” research contributions within the field of chemistry.
- Study Status: Open to active researchers, academic faculty, and industry scientists (not limited to students).
- Visa Status/Citizenship: Open to citizens of the UK, the Commonwealth, or the Republic of Ireland. Non-citizens must have been residents in these regions for at least three years.
- Program Admission: Candidates must be formally nominated by a peer or scientific colleague.
How to Apply for Royal Society Davy Medal 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program (Nomination): Submit a formal nomination via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant system.
- Automatic Evaluation: The Society reviews the residency and citizenship eligibility of all nominees.
- Eligibility Assessment: The Award Selection Committee evaluates the scientific significance and originality of the chemistry research presented.
- Notification of Award: Winners are contacted following the committee’s deliberation, with public announcements scheduled later in the year.
Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who was Humphry Davy?
Humphry Davy was a pioneering 19th-century chemist famous for discovering several elements and inventing the Davy Lamp for miners.
2. Can I nominate myself for the Davy Medal?
No, the Royal Society requires all candidates to be nominated by a third party who can verify their research impact.
3. What is the value of the Davy Medal?
The winner receives a physical bronze medal and a monetary gift of £2,000.
4. Is the award limited to UK citizens?
No, it is open to citizens of any Commonwealth country or the Republic of Ireland, as well as those who have lived in these areas for 3+ years.
5. Can a team of chemists win the 2026 medal?
Yes, the rules have been updated to allow for the nomination of teams or research groups.
6. Do I need to re-nominate someone every year?
No, once a nomination is submitted, it remains valid and is considered for three nomination cycles.
7. What kind of chemistry qualifies for the medal?
The medal is awarded for “outstanding” research in any branch of chemistry, including organic, inorganic, computational, and interdisciplinary fields.
8. Is there a specific age or career stage requirement?
There are no restrictions on career stage; the award is open to any researcher regardless of seniority.
9. What did the 2025 winner do?
Professor Andrew Cooper won for combining robots, AI, and computational chemistry to create digital approaches to the field.
10. When do nominations close for the 2026 cycle?
The deadline for the Davy Medal 2026 is February 20, 2026.
