Our awards and medals identify and celebrate the achievements and international impact of Ireland’s world class researchers along with individual contributions to the advancement of the Academy itself. While these awards and medals presented to individual researchers, it is broadly accepted as a recognition of the extraordinary work of institutes, research teams and individual dedication to the advancement of the Academy and its objectives.

Latest news and events

Six book colourful book covers are displayed in two rows, three on the top, three on the bottom, against a blue background with an abstract illustration of a bookshelf.

2024 Michel Déon Prize for non-fiction shortlist announced

Six books shortlisted for the €10,000 Michel Déon Prize for non-fiction supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Grants and Awards

Aerial image taken from the footage of Ballymoon Castle and its surrounding areas, produced by Carlow County Council

Watch Nial O’Neill’s archaeological excavation at Ballymoon Castle, County Carlow

Watch the footage of RIA Archaeological Research Excavation Grants scheme recipient Nial O’Neill’s research-led archaeological excavation surrounding Ballymoon Castle in Bagalstown, County Carlow.

Grants and Awards

Nowlan Digitisation Grants open to applications

The Royal Irish Academy is delighted to open applications for the Nowlan Digitisation Grants until Thursday, 11 April 2024.

Grants and Awards

Black and gold salmon designs on a white background.

2025 RIA Gold Medals: call for nominations

The call for nominations for the 2025 RIA Gold Medal in the Humanities and the 2025 RIA Gold Medal in the Life and Medical Sciences

Gold Medals

Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell holding the Cunningham Medal.

Cunningham Medal

The Cunningham Medal is the Academy’s premier award and dates back to 1796. It is awarded every three years in recognition of “outstanding contributions to scholarship and the objectives of the Academy

A woman (Brigid Laffan) with blonde shoulder length hair smiles as she poses for a photo with her RIA Gold Medal in a green box, which she holds in her hand.

Gold Medals

The Royal Irish Academy awards two RIA Gold Medals every year. The medals are awarded to individuals who have made a demonstrable and internationally recognised outstanding scholarly contribution in their fields

US-Ireland Research Innovation Awards trophy

US-Ireland Research Innovation Awards

The US-Ireland Research Innovation Awards are a joint initiative of the Royal Irish Academy and the American Chamber of Commerce, Ireland