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Professor June Barrow-Green<\/p><\/div>\n
Professor Barrow-Green<\/a>, who is Professor of History of Mathematics in the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics<\/a> says she is delighted to be recognised in this way:<\/p>\n \u201cI am very honoured (and surprised!) to receive this award. It is wonderful that the Royal Society recognises interdisciplinary research in this way.<\/p>\n “I am particularly pleased that my work on the history of the gender gap in mathematics and on decolonising the mathematics curriculum has been highlighted as these are two areas of research about which I feel passionately.<\/p>\n “I believe this is the first time the prize has been awarded to a historian of mathematics and I would like to dedicate it to all my colleagues in history of mathematics who have supported me over the years, especially my OU colleagues Jeremy Gray and the late John Fauvel whose kindness and erudition I shall never forget.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Royal Society is a self-governing Fellowship of many of the world\u2019s most distinguished scientists drawn from all areas of science, engineering, and medicine. The Society\u2019s fundamental purpose, as it has been since its foundation in 1660, is to recognise, promote, and support excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity.<\/p>\n Dame Jocelynn Bell-Burnell was also recognised by the Royal Society in the awards, receiving the prestigious Copley Medal – the world\u2019s oldest scientific prize. She was the OU\u2019s first female physics tutor in 1973 and went on to be the Head of Physics at the OU – also receiving an honorary doctorate from OU.<\/p>\n The Wilkins-Bernal-Medawar Medal is awarded annually to individuals recognising excellence in a subject relating to the history of science, philosophy of science or the social function of science.<\/p>\n Sir Adrian Smith, President of the Royal Society, said:<\/p>\n \u201cThrough its medals and awards the Royal Society recognises those researchers and science communicators who have played a critical part in expanding our understanding of the world around us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFrom advancing vaccine development to catching the first glimpses of distant pulsars, these discoveries shape our societies, answer fundamental questions and open new avenues for exploration.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The Royal Society\u2019s medals and awards are awarded annually to recognise outstanding and exceptional scientific achievement. Some of the awards have been awarded for the past several hundred years including the Copley Medal, the world’s oldest scientific medal still awarded today and first awarded in 1731.<\/p>\nRecognising excellence in the history of science<\/h2>\n