Each year, the BOU presents awards to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution within ornithology. Each award celebrates a specific contribution and nominations are warmly encouraged via the annual call.
Current awards
Nominations are currently closed. The call for nominations normally runs from June to September each year. You can read more about each award via the links below and, when nominations are open, make nominations via these pages.
Godman Salvin Prize
Awarded by BOU Council to an individual as a signal honour for distinguished ornithological work.
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Alfred Newton Lecture
Awarded annually to an internationally renowned figure who will present this prestige lecture on the theme of the BOU’s annual conference.
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Janet Kear Union Medal
Awarded by BOU Council to members of the BOU in recognition of distinguished service to the Union.
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Early Professional Award
Awarded by BOU Council for an outstanding initial contribution to the field of ornithology.
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Nominations
Public nominations for all awards are open annually between June and September. The nominations form asks nominators to specify why each candidate is being nominated. Nominations are welcomed from members and non-members of the BOU. Previous award recipients are not eligible to receive the prize a second time. Self-nominations are not accepted.
Selection process
The Awards Nominations Committee oversee the nominations process for all awards and help coordinate, score and rank all nominations received. Any individuals involved in evaluating nominations are asked to declare any conflicts of interest and refrain from ranking a nominee with whom this applies. The Awards Nominations Committee then submit their recommendation to BOU Council, who select a single recipient from those shortlisted.
Previous awards
Union Medal
The Union Medal was awarded (1912 – 2017) by BOU Council to a BOU Member in recognition of distinguished service to the Union and ornithology.
BOU Ibis Award
This award recognised the outstanding achievements of younger ornithologists.
BOU Honorary Life Members
Life membership to the BOU has been awarded as an honour by the BOU’s Council to mark the ornithological contributions and achievements of BOU members.
Founders Gold Medal
Presented to the four original Members surviving at the Jubilee Celebration, 9 December 1908: F. D. Godman, P. S. Godman, W. H. Hudleston & P. L. Sclater.