aboriginalflag

RST Apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people 2021.

Francis Guillemard Simpkinson De Wesselow (1819 - 1906) The Derwent at New Norfolk, Van Diemens Land

Awards

Introduction

The Royal Society of Tasmania recognises excellence in research and scholarship across various disciplines. It encompasses six major awards, including the Royal Society of Tasmania Medal, MR Banks Medal, Clive Lord Memorial Medal, RM Johnston Memorial Medal, Peter Smith Medal, and the Annual Doctoral (PhD) Award. Each award targets scholars at different career stages and fields, aiming to promote the advancement of knowledge and support academic excellence within Tasmania. Recipients often deliver lectures and may receive grants or honorary memberships, fostering a vibrant intellectual community.

The awards

Peter-Smith-medal

Peter Smith Medal

Established in Jan, 2017
Being awarded in 2026

Awarded to an outstanding early career researcher.
The research is to have been largely carried
out in Tasmania or under the aegis of a Tasmanian-based organisation.

Learn More
RM Johnson Medal

RM Johnston Memorial Medal

Established in Mar, 1920
Being awarded in 2026

Awarded to a scholar of great distinction in any field within the Society’s purview.

Learn More
The Royal Society of Tasmania Medal

Royal Society of Tasmania Medal

Established in May, 1927
Being awarded in 2025

Awarded to a scholar for substantial original research in any subject within the Society’s purview.
A significant part of the research shall have been conducted while the Awardee was resident in Tasmania.
The Awardee must have been, in the view of the Council, an active member of the Society for at least five years.

Learn More
Clive-Lord-Medal

Clive Lord Memorial Medal

Established in Jul, 1930
Being awarded in 2025

Awarded to a scholar distinguished for research in Tasmanian science or Tasmanian history.
The Award will alternate between the fields of science and history, unless particular circumstances dictate otherwise.

Learn More
M-R-Banks-Medal

MR Banks Medal

Established in Mar, 1997
Being awarded in 2025

Awarded to a scholar of distinction in their mid-career in any field within the Society’s purview.
The research is to have largely been carried out in Tasmania or under the aegis of a Tasmanian-based organisation.

Learn More
Louisa Anne Meredith Medal

Louisa Anne Meredith Medal

Established in May, 2023
Being awarded in 2028

Awarded to a person who excels in the field of arts or humanities or both, with outstanding contributions evidenced by creative outputs.

Learn More

RST Annual Doctoral (PhD) Award

Established in Sep, 1998
Being awarded in 2025

Two awards that honour doctoral (PhD) graduates who have made significant advances in the course of their doctoral research.
The awards are made annually for excellence in research in any field within the purview of the Society.

Learn More

Download the Guidelines for Medals and Awards

Award guidelines jacket
This document outlines the official guidelines governing the selection, nomination, and awarding process for medals and awards presented by The Royal Society of Tasmania. It defines the roles of the Honours Committee, eligibility criteria, nomination procedures, and award frequency for each medal. These guidelines ensure transparency, fairness, and academic rigour in recognising outstanding contributions to science and the humanities in Tasmania.

Acknowledgement of Country

The Royal Society of Tasmania acknowledges, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, and the ongoing custodianship of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. The Society pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples have survived severe and unjust impacts resulting from invasion and dispossession of their Country. As an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, the Royal Society of Tasmania recognises Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices and seeks to respect and honour these traditions and the deep understanding they represent.

aboriginalflag

On 15 February 2021, the Royal Society of Tasmania offered a formal Apology to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.