Background

The Harrison Memorial Medal recognises outstanding contributions to the advancement of pharmaceutical science.

The medal was established in memory of Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Frank Harrison, a distinguished pharmaceutical chemist who died in 1918. Historically, the Harrison award recognised early-career pharmacists for original work in the chemistry of drugs. Over time, the award evolved into a memorial lecture and medal recognising significant contribution to pharmaceutical science.

Today, the Harrison Memorial Medal is awarded every two years by the Royal College of Pharmacy Chief Scientist to an RCPharm member who is established in pharmaceutical research and mid-way through their research career. The award celebrates individuals whose work has made a substantial, positive and lasting impact on the field of pharmaceutical sciences, and who actively support the development of juniors and peers.

The winner of the 2026 Harrison Memorial Medal will be invited to present the Harrison Lecture at the RCPharm 2026 Annual Conference.

Eligibility criteria

Nominees for the Harrison Memorial Medal must:

• have made a substantial, positive and lasting impact upon the field of pharmaceutical sciences; 
• be established in pharmaceutical research and mid-way through their research career; 
• be actively advancing pharmaceutical sciences; 
• be actively encouraging juniors and peers to further their knowledge; 
• be an RCPharm member; and 
• not be self-nominated. 

We encourage nominations for pharmacists from all sectors of the pharmacy profession.

Nomination guidance

Nominations for the 2026 Harrison Memorial Medal will be open between 15 May 2026 and 15 October 2026.

Following the closure of the nomination call, the Harrison 2026 Nomination Review Panel will review and score eligible candidates. The selected winner will be announced in Autumn 2026¹.

To be considered, nominations must include a:

• CV on behalf of the nominee; and 
• Letter of justification summarising the nominee’s career to date, their notable activities within the field of pharmaceutical sciences², and why they should be considered for the award. 

Self-nominations will not be accepted.

To ensure an inclusive and wide field of candidates, RCPharm will also reach out to known stakeholders, including the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the Joint Pharmaceutical Analysis Group and the Industrial Pharmacy Forum.

If you have any questions about eligibility or the nomination process, please contact the RCPharm Science and Research Team.

Past medallists

1924: FW Adams
1927: ES Peck
1927: FH Carr — additional award
1929: PAW Self
1931: HH Dale
1933: BF Howard
1935: A Smithells
1937: WA Gamble
1939: AD Powell
1941: T Tickle
1943: AJ Ewins
1945: RR Bennett
1964: D Stephenson
1965: AG Fishburn
1966: JW Hadgraft
1967: GRA Short
1968: EF Hersant
1969: D Jack
1970: NJ Van Abbé
1971: H Burlinson
1972: CA Johnson
1973: TD Whittet
1974: JB Stenlake
1975: JW Fairbairn
1976: PH Elworthy
1978: LG Goodwin
1980: JE Carless
1982: F Fish
1984: PF D’Arcy
1986: AT Florence
1988: TM Jones
1990: WC Bowman
1992: M Rowland
1994: MFG Stevens
1996: JM Newton
1998: JD Phillipson
2000: SS Davis
2002: RD Waigh
2004: W Dawson
2006: P York
2008: P Humphrey
2018: M Stevens
2020: Y Perry
2022: A Basit
2024: R Donnelly

Footnotes

¹A dedicated panel created by the RCPharm Science & Research Team and the RCPharm Science and Research Committee will review nominations for the medal and select a medal winner. The proposed name will be submitted for ratification to the RCPharm Executive Team, National Pharmacy Board Chairs and the President.

²RCPharm defines a pharmaceutical scientist as: “an individual working in the basic, applied or the social sciences impinging on the discovery, development, delivery, quality, safety, efficacy, regulation or usage of medicines and medical devices and their educational development in all its many aspects and for the ultimate benefit of the patient and public.”