The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has released Reshaping Recognition, a report outlining the outcomes of a five-year transformation of its prizes program aimed at reflecting the diversity of the modern scientific community.
Since the introduction of new criteria in 2020, the initiative has broadened the scope of recognition beyond established researchers to include educators, apprentices, technicians, early-career scientists, and professionals working in industry. The redesigned program also gives greater emphasis to collaborative achievements, aligning with the increasingly team-based nature of contemporary research.
According to the report, the number of individuals recognized has risen nearly sixfold, with recipients now representing a wider mix of career stages, disciplines, and sectors. Team prizes—once uncommon—have become a regular feature, acknowledging partnerships across universities, companies, and international networks. More than a third of recent honorees are at an early stage of their careers, a significant shift from previous years.
The publication also presents feedback from prize winners, illustrating the professional and collaborative benefits of RSC recognition. It highlights how the updated framework has encouraged participation from groups previously under-represented in awards and has strengthened connections across scientific disciplines.
Alongside data, quotes and insights, the report documents, Reshaping Recognition outlines five key learnings for organizations seeking to modernize their own approaches to acknowledgment and incentive.
The RSC plans to continue evolving its prizes to celebrate excellence in all its forms and to ensure recognition remains inclusive, forward-looking, and representative of the chemical sciences community.
Click here to read the original press release.
