Leeds historian of science wins prestigious award from the Royal Society
Previous recipients of the award include broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and physicist Professor Jim Al-Khalili.
Professor Gregory Radick at the School of Philosophy, Religion and History of Science has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal and Lecture by the Royal Society.
The national honour recognises Professor Radick’s exemplary work as a historian and philosopher of science, alongside his groundbreaking contributions to our understanding of genetics and evolutionary theory. Awarded annually by the UK’s national academy of sciences, the medal celebrates excellence in the history, philosophy, or social function of science and is accompanied by a gift of £2,000.
Professor Radick speaking at the American Society of Human Genetics’ Annual Conference 2024
Reacting to the award, Professor Radick said: "I’m honoured and thrilled to receive this year’s prize. For historians, philosophers and sociologists of science, it’s a deeply appreciated expression of support from the scientific community for the work we do.
“Since, as in my case, that work often challenges received wisdom about scientific knowledge and the stories conventionally told about it, the prize has become even more precious in recent years, as an affirmation of the value of humanities and social-science scholarship – now so much under threat – in helping to prime the creative self-criticism on which, from the founding of the Royal Society to today, science has thrived."
Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, commended this year's medal recipients for their exceptional contributions to research culture and scientific understanding. He said: “Their work has helped further our understanding of the world around us and will inspire generations of scientists to come. Celebrating excellence in science is core to the Society’s mission. I offer my congratulations to all the 2026 recipients.”
The award builds on previous recognition for Professor Radick's research, including his book Disputed Inheritance: The Battle Over Mendel and the Future of Biology (Chicago, 2023). The publication examines how alternative approaches to genetics instruction – such as the complexity-first curriculum piloted at Leeds and inspired by Professor Radick's historical studies – can reshape how modern biology is taught and understood.
The Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Lecture combines three Royal Society lectures originally established to explore the intersection of scientific discovery with history, philosophy, and society. Previous recipients of the award include broadcaster Melvyn Bragg and physicist Professor Jim Al-Khalili.
The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world’s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering, and medicine. The Society’s fundamental purpose, since its foundation in 1660, is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.
Further details regarding the date and venue for Professor Radick’s prize lecture will be announced in due course.
