The Linnean Medal (Outreach)

The Linnean Medal for significant and sustained dedication to the protection of nature. This includes conservation, communication, education and advocacy.

Awarded annually by Council to an individual in recognition of their exceptional track record in raising public awareness and advocating for the protection of nature. Anyone, irrespective of nationality, who is not at the time a member of Council is eligible to receive the Medal, which is presented at the annual Anniversary Meeting by the President. 

Nominations are now closed. Nominations will re-open in summer 2026. If you are interested in making a nomination and would like more information, please contact nominations@linnean.org.

• Open to an individual, of any nationality or age, who has demonstrated a significant impact on public appreciation for the natural world and the protection of nature
• Examples could include campaigning, journalism, community engagement, teaching and inspiring young people
• In general, this medal will be awarded to an individual who has a track record of at least 10 years in this area
• Nominee cannot, at the time of nomination, be a member of Council
• Nominee does not need to be a Fellow of the Society
• We do not accept self-nominations
• Nominations cannot be made by a family member of the nominee

Chris Packham CBE 

'I am both surprised and flattered to have been chosen as a recipient of the Linnean Medal for significant and sustained dedication to the protection of nature. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Society a few times and am very honoured to accept this award.'

Chris Packham first came to national prominence in the 1980s as a presenter on the BBC children’s programme The Really Wild Show. He later ran the production company Head Over Heels, producing programmes for Discovery and National Geographic. Since 2009 he has co-presented Springwatch and its sister series, bringing British wildlife into millions of homes. He has also written and presented a wide range of nature programmes, alongside award-winning work raising awareness of neurodivergence and mental health issues. 

Beyond broadcasting, he is a prominent environmental campaigner and co-founder of Wild Justice, which pushes for stronger wildlife protections. He has spoken out on issues including HS2, over-grazing, the badger cull and fox hunting, while supporting conservation organisations and championing diverse environmental voices.

• Professor David Macdonald CBE (2025)

• Professor Paul Upchurch (2024)

• Professor Sandra Díaz (2023)

• Rohan Pethiyagoda (Zoology, 2022)

• Professor Sebsebe Demissew (Botany, 2022)

• Dr Mary Jane West-Eberhard (Zoology, 2021)

• Dr Shahina Ghazanfar (Botany, 2021)

• Professor Ben Sheldon (Zoology, 2020)

• Professor Juliet Brodie (Botany, 2020)

• Professor Samuel Turvey (Zoology, 2019)

• Dr Vicki Funk (Botany, 2019)