ZSL's programme of science and conservation awards recognises outstanding contributions in the categories listed below.
Call for nominations is now open.
ZSL Prince Philip Award and Marsh Prize
Awarded to pupils under 19 years of age at school or sixth form college in the UK, for an account of practical work involving some aspect of animal biology. Nominations for this award are not being taken at this time.
ZSL Young Wildlife Conservationist of the Year Award (new for 2026)
Recognising and celebrating the many different ways in which young people connect with and help wildlife and the natural world. The award is open to people aged between 16 and 25 years for activities that benefit wildlife or raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
ZSL Charles Darwin Award and Marsh Prize
Awarded for an outstanding zoological research project by an undergraduate attending a university in the UK.
View guidelines and Nominate a candidate for the award here
ZSL Thomas Henry Huxley Award and Marsh Prize
Awarded to a postgraduate research biologist attending university in the UK for original work submitted as a doctoral thesis.
View guidelines and nominate a candidate for the award here
ZSL Scientific Medal
Awarded to research scientists with up to 15 years postdoctoral experience for distinguished work in Zoology. A four year career break may be added. Up to three medals are awarded annually.
View guidelines and nominate a candidate for the award here
ZSL Bicentenary Award (formerly the ZSL Silver Medal)
The ZSL Silver Medal was first awarded in 1847 for outstanding achievements in zoology. In celebration of our bicentenary, the ZSL Silver Medal has been renamed the ZSL Bicentenary Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to the understanding and appreciation of zoology, including public education in natural history and wildlife conservation.
View guidelines and nominate a candidate for the award here
View Previous ZSL Silver Medal winners
ZSL Stamford Raffles Award
For individuals who have made outstanding contributions to zoology outside the scope of their professional activities.
View guidelines and nominate a candidate for the award here
ZSL Frink Medal
For significant and original contributions by a professional zoologist to the development of zoology.
View guidelines and nominate a candidate for the award here
ZSL Marsh Award for Conservation Biology
For contributions of fundamental science and its application to the conservation of animal species and habitats.
View guidelines and nominate a candidate for the award here
ZSL Marsh Award for Marine and Freshwater Conservation
For contributions of fundamental science and its application to the conservation in marine and/or freshwater ecosystems.
View guidelines and nominate a candidate for the award here
ZSL/Clarivate Award for Communicating Zoology
Awarded for a communication of a zoological nature that has an outstanding impact on a general audience. The impact may be measured in terms of outstanding quality, novelty, innovation or accessibility for a wide audience.
Nominate a candidate for the award here
Honorary Fellowship of the Zoological Society of London
Awarded to individuals associated with the Society who have, through their scientific or professional activities, promoting the objectives of the Society.
See a list of our honorary fellows
ZSL Medal (discontinued)
The ZSL Medal is awarded to serving or recently retired staff for outstanding achievement in the service of ZSL, and/or outstanding contributions over an extended period of time. This award was discontinued after 2016, and was replaced with ZSL People Awards for current staff, students and volunteers.
Further information
Please contact the Secretary of the Awards Committee or email Linda Davolls.