Medal: The Edinburgh Medal

Medal Address - Great While It Lasted; Now What?

“For a century and a half humans have exploited carbon-based energy sources which have transformed the human condition – although not entirely evenly.

Now, with growing evidence that we are exceeding the safe limits of such use, how should we respond?

Our dependency on energy is profound, so how might we satisfy our wants and yet preserve the health of the planet on which we depend? What is the likelihood we will succeed?”

The Edinburgh Medal is awarded each year to men and women of Science and Technology whose professional achievements are judged to have made a significant contribution to the understanding and well-being of humanity.

A ceremony to present the award will take place before Chris Rapley delivers his Edinburgh Medal Address.

Prior to taking up the position of Director of the Science Museum, Chris Rapley was Director of the British Antarctic Survey. His interests are in climate change and earth system science, as well as a more general interest in the organisation, leadership and communication of science.

2008 Medal Address - Great While It Lasted; Now What?”

“For a century and a half humans have exploited carbon-based energy sources which have transformed the human condition – although not entirely evenly. Now, with growing evidence that we are exceeding the safe limits of such use, how should we respond? Our dependency on energy is profound, so how might we satisfy our wants and yet preserve the health of the planet on which we depend? What is the likelihood we will succeed?”

Previous recipients of The Edinburgh Medal

1989 Professor Abdus Salam
1990 Professor Stephen J Gould
1991 Professor Jane Goodall
1992 Professor Heinz Wolff
1993 Professor Wangari Maathai
1994 Professor Manuel Pattarroyo
1995 Sir John Crofton
1996 Professor Richard Levins
1997 Professor Amartya Sen
1998 Sir David Attenborough
1999 Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell
2000 Professor Lynn Margulis
2001 Sir John Sulston
2002 Lise Kingo
2003 Professor Wang Sung
2004 Professor Steven Rose
2005 Professor Colin Blakemore
2006 Professor James Lovelock
2007 Dr Richard Horton