Oxford Academics Honored with Royal Society Awards
Four University of Oxford academics have received Royal Society Awards for 2026, recognizing significant contributions in physics, energy, biomedical science, and materials research.
Four researchers from the University of Oxford have been honored with the 2026 Royal Society Awards. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to scientific discovery, public engagement, and research culture.
Professor Laura Herz of the Department of Physics received the Rumford Medal for her work on light interaction with novel semiconductor materials. Her research supports the development of next-generation solar cells, including those based on metal-halide perovskites.
Professor Iain McCulloch of the Department of Chemistry was awarded the Hughes Medal for research into chemistry-based clean energy solutions, encompassing organic semiconducting polymers, hydrogen production, and organic photovoltaics.
Professor Ketan Patel, Director of the MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, received the Buchanan Medal for biomedical research that elucidated how aldehydes damage DNA and how the genome protects itself from this damage.
Professor Charlotte Williams of the Department of Chemistry was awarded the Armourers & Brasiers’ Company Prize for use-inspired basic research in catalysis and polymer materials, including catalysts that convert waste carbon dioxide into polymers. These accolades are among the UK's most prominent scientific distinctions.