Awarded annually by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the David and Betty Hamburg Award recognises an individual or a limited number of individuals working together to make an outstanding contribution to furthering science diplomacy internationally.
Sir Richard, and fellow chemist Sir Martyn Poliakoff, are jointly receiving the 2026 Award for their back-to back tenures as Foreign Secretary at the Royal Society, during which time they ‘built unprecedented coalitions and durable networks promoting scientific collaboration and global understanding’.
Having inaugurated the Award in 1992, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has honoured an international cadre of science diplomacy practitioners whose work lies at the intersection of science, evidence-based decision-making, and diplomacy. In 2021, the Award was renamed for David and Betty Hamburg to recognise their unparalleled commitment to the significant role of science diplomacy to advance science, human rights, peace, and cooperation.
Katherine Mathieson, Director of the Ri, said: “With a long and distinguished scientific research career himself, Sir Richard has a deep insight into science as a collaborative endeavour.
“He is passionate about the importance of people working together internationally to further scientific advance for the benefit of all in society and has been a lifelong champion for engaging public audiences with that same scientific advance.
“I am delighted for Richard and Martyn – whom we have been honoured to welcome to the Ri as a speaker in our Theatre, demonstrating his own commitment to public engagement – for their richly deserved recognition.”
Sir Richard and Sir Martyn’s award was announced this week at the AAAS Annual Meeting, in Phoenix, Arizona.