Three University of Glasgow academics have received Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) prizes for their contribution to science.

Professors Miles Padgett, Peter Kennedy and Dr Kevin O’Dell have all received prizes in this year’s round of RSE awards:

  • Prof Padgett, Kelvin Chair of Natural Philosophy and Dean for Research in the College of Science and Engineering, is awarded the Lord Kelvin Medal (Senior Prize) for his outstanding contribution to the field of optics through his pioneering work on orbital angular momentum, his promotion of a global community of researchers in this field and his commitment to the public engagement of science. 
  • Professor Peter Kennedy CBE FRSE FMedSci, Burton Chair of Neurology wins the Sir James Black Medal (Senior Prize) for his outstanding contribution to the field of tropical medicine through his pioneering work on human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and Neurovirology. 
  • Dr Kevin O’Dell, Senior Lecturer, School of Life Sciences scoops the Innovator’s Public Engagement Prize for his outstanding contribution to public engagement through his skills in both genetics and communication to engage young adults with the world of genetics, particularly through his Zombie Science shows.


Every year the RSE highlights some of the UK’s most outstanding academic talent through its Royal Medallists and Prize Winners awards.

The awards are given to pre-eminent individuals working at the present time, and range from those who have reached the pinnacle of their discipline and are regarded as such internationally, to those who are showing great potential in the early stages of their career.

Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: “I warmly congratulate Professors Padgett and Kennedy and Dr O’Dell on their achievements and recognition.

“We are extremely proud of our colleagues and their contribution to scientific research and public engagement and all three embody the goals and ethos of this great university.”

President of the RSE, Sir John Arbuthnott, said: ‘One of the great privileges of my role is meeting the Royal Medallists and Prize Winners. These are our highest accolades. They reflect the Enlightenment spirit of the RSE’s Royal Charter of 1783 and its remit to advance learning and useful knowledge. My warmest congratulations to all of this year’s recipients.’

Media enquiries: stuart.forsyth@glasgow.ac.uk / 0141 330 4831

First published: 20 March 2014

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