THE ROYAL IRISH ACADEMY IS IRELAND'S LEADING BODY OF EXPERTS IN THE SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

The Royal Irish Academy/Acadamh Ríoga na hÉireann champions research. We identify and recognise Ireland’s world class researchers. We support scholarship and promote awareness of how science and the humanities enrich our lives and benefit society. We believe that good research needs to be promoted, sustained and communicated. The Academy is run by a Council of its members. Membership is by election and considered the highest academic honour in Ireland.

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Assessment procedure for Gold Medals

The assessment of candidates nominated for a Gold Medal is made by an Award Committee.

The committee will consist of:

  • the Academy Humanities Secretary (chair for the Gold Medal in the Humanities and the Gold Medal in the Social Sciences Award Committees) or the Academy Science Secretary (chair for the Gold Medals in the Life Sciences, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Engineering Sciences and Environmental Sciences and Geosciences);
  • at least one other member of the Academy, nominated by the Senior Vice-President;
  • up to three others nominated by the Senior Vice-President, having consulted with the chair of the committee; and
  • one or more international external assessors, who will be invited to provide a report on the shortlisted candidates, selected by the committee, for the final assessment. The committee will consider the external assessors’ reports when determining the final choice for the award.

The tasks of the committee are to select:

  • a shortlist of candidates (this will normally be two to three, and only exceptionally more than this);
  • a list of appropriate international external assessors; and
  • select an awardee to recommend to Council for consideration and approval.

The Award Committee procedures will be subject to Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality processes.

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