Which society established the Rosalind Franklin Award in 2003?

The Royal Society established the Rosalind Franklin Award in 2003. It honours outstanding contributions to science, technology, engineering or mathematics while supporting the promotion of women in STEM.

The award was created in Franklin’s name because of her pioneering work in physical chemistry, X-ray crystallography and molecular biology. It was initially funded through UK government efforts to encourage women’s participation in science and technology.

The prize traditionally combines a medal, a cash grant and a public lecture. Its first recipient, in 2003, was chemist Susan Gibson, who was recognised for her work on molecular structure and chemistry.

A common mix-up is confusing this award with other prizes bearing Franklin’s name. The Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics and US organisations have established separate Rosalind Franklin awards or medals, but the award founded in 2003 was the Royal Society’s.