Prize lectures
We award a number of prize lectures each year. The prize lectureships have been instituted at various times in our history, and many owe their existence to the generosity of donors. Some awards are accompanied by an honorarium that is funded by our private funds and many, subject to the agreement of the Editorial Boards, are published in either The Journal of Physiology or Experimental Physiology. These prize lectures play an important role in our commitment to advancing and promoting the physiological sciences and recognising outstanding achievements in the discipline.
We are committed to increasing equality and diversity in physiological sciences. Our work in this area permeates through all of our activities and we would like to ask you to be mindful of this commitment when making your nominations.
Annual Public Lecture
Initiated in 2005 and held at The Society's Main Meeting, this lecture is designed to illustrate the importance of physiology and further its understanding by the general public and in schools.
Annual Review Prize Lecture
The premier award of The Society was instituted in 1968. Subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board it is published in The Journal of Physiology. There is a £500 prize.
Bayliss-Starling Prize Lecture
Established in 1960 as a joint memorial to Bayliss and Starling. This was a triennial lecture (to 2015), subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, is published in The Journal of Physiology. There is a £500 prize. From 2015, following a generous donation from The Bayliss and Starling Society, this lecture is now awarded annually and will be given alternately by an established physiologist and an early-career physiologist. More information on William Bayliss and Ernest Starling.
Biller Prize Lecture (discontinued)
The Biller award was a biennial award in memory of Kathy Biller, a young physiologist. It was given to a worker (under 35 years of age), in the field of renal or epithelial physiology and was presented in those years when England played Australia for the Ashes at cricket. The recipient presented a research review at a Society meeting.
GL Brown Prize Lecture
In 1975 The Physiological Society established the GL Brown Prize Lecture in his memory, this is an annual series of peripatetic lectures aimed to stimulate an interest in physiology. There is a £1,000 prize. Subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, this lecture is published in Experimental Physiology. More information on GL Brown can be found here.
GSK Prize Lecture (discontinued)
Instituted in 2010 with generous support from GSK, this prize was for early-career physiologists to encourage them and bring their work to general notice. It was awarded annually and came with a prize of £1,000.
GW Harris Prize Lecture (discontinued)
In 1986, The Physiological Society instituted a triennial lecture in memory of the late Professor GW Harris. These lecturers were, subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, published in Experimental Physiology. More information on GW Harris.
Hodgkin-Huxley-Katz Prize Lecture
Established in 1999, this prestigious biennial lecture celebrates the contributions to the physiological sciences of Alan Hodgkin, Andrew Huxley and Bernard Katz. To emphasise the international impact of their work, the lecture is normally given by a distinguished physiologist working outside the UK or RoI. Subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, this lecture is published in The Journal of Physiology. There is a £1,000 prize. More information on Alan Hodgkin, Andrew Huxley and Bernard Katz.
International Prize Lectures
From 2001 to 2010, The Physiological Society had a standing agreement with the Australian Physiological Society (AuPS) whereby, in alternate years, The Society selected a lecturer to travel to Australia to deliver a short series of lectures in universities. This was a reciprocal arrangement with a member of the AuPS travelling to the UK in the intervening years. It was known as the Australian/UK Visiting Lectureship Scheme. From 2011, The Society has sponsored the International Prize Lecture designed to be delivered in countries where there is a strong physiology community, but with whom The Society has previously had little or no interaction. The recipient of the award travels to the host country and delivers a series of peripatetic lectures over a period of seven to 10 days. 2011 (China), 2013 (India) and 2014 (Brazil).
Joan Mott Prize Lecture
Established in 1995 and funded by a bequest from Joan Mott, this biennial lecture is usually given by a female physiologist. The lecture may cover any area of physiology but should be particularly relevant to young physiologists and also aim to enhance the profile and significance of women within the discipline. Subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, this lecture is published in Experimental Physiology. There is a £500 prize. More information on Joan Mott.
Michael de Burgh Daly Prize Lecture
Established in 2002, this biennial lecture is given in memory of the distinguished physiologist, with input from the Cardiovascular & Respiratory Physiology Theme Leads. Subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, this lecture is published in Experimental Physiology. More information on Michael de Burgh Daly.
Otto Hutter Teaching Prize
The Society launched the Otto Hutter Teaching Prize in 2009, to recognise outstanding teachers of undergraduate physiology and to raise the profile of physiology teaching. The prize’s namesake, Professor Otto Hutter, emeritus Regius Professor of Physiology at University of Glasgow, is recognised as a passionate and innovative teacher. The £1000 prize includes £500 for the winner and £500 for the host institution (the latter to support education and teaching in physiology). In addition, the recipient is invited to present a lecture at the main meeting. Previous winners are listed on the Education pages. More information on Otto Hutter.
R Jean Banister Prize Lecture
Established in 2016 in memory of Professor (Rachel) Jean Banister (1917-2013), this is an annual series of peripatetic lectures given by an early career scientist on any physiological topic. There is a £500 prize. Subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, this lecture is published in Experimental Physiology.
Paton Prize Lecture
Initiated by the History & Archives Committee in 1994, this annual lecture commemorates Professor Sir William Paton's support and initiatives for promoting interest in the history of scientific experiments and ideas. The lecture is given on a historical aspect of physiology and, subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, is published in Experimental Physiology. The lecturer is selected by the Editorial Board of Experimental Physiology and the History & Archives Committee. More information on William Paton.
Sharpey-Schafer Prize Lecture
Funded by bequests from Sir Edward Sharpey-Schafer (1850–1935) and his daughter Miss GM Sharpey-Schafer and in memory of Sir Edward and his grandson Professor EP Sharpey-Schafer, this is a triennial lecture given alternately by an established physiologist (preferably but not necessarily from abroad) and a young physiologist chosen by The Society. There is a £500 prize and medal. Subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, this lecture is published in Experimental Physiology. More information on Edward Sharpey-Schafer.
Wellcome Prize Lecture (discontinued)
In 1985, The Wellcome Trustees launched this Prize Lecture to encourage and support young physiologists (less than 40 years of age). The Prize was awarded biennially by a panel comprising members of the Prizes & Prize Lectures Committee, and a representative nominated by the Wellcome Trust. The lectures were, subject to the agreement of the Editorial Board, published in The Journal of Physiology. The winner was awarded with £1,000 prize.
Many of our recent lectures are available to view on our YouTube Channel.
