Yorkshire Geological Society Medals and Distinctions
To encourage continued excellence in research and sharing of knowledge in the geosciences in the North of England, the Yorkshire Geological Society awards a number of medals and distinctions that acknowledge both outstanding scientific contributions and distinguished service to the Society.
Awards are usually presented at the Society’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Depending on the award, Council may consider nominations annually, biennially or on a more ad hoc basis. Further information on the frequency and timing, the nature of contributions recognised by each award and past recipients are given here. Notification that nominations are being received for a specific award will be communicated in our Circular, though Council is open to preliminary suggestions at any time. If you think that someone merits recognition as a potential recipient of one of the Society’s awards or distinctions, please contact our Secretary who will then raise the nomination at the next appropriate Council meeting of the Society.
We are particularly seeking nominations for the Sorby and Moore medals, to be sent to the Secretary by 1st September 2026.
John Phillips Medal
Established 1960 by Dr W.S. Bisat
Criteria: Awarded by the Yorkshire Geological Society as an acknowledgement of distinguished contributions to, or to work bearing upon knowledge, of the stratigraphy or palaeontology of the North of England.
Most recent medallist: Dean Lomax (2025)
Colin Speakman’s biography ‘John Phillips - Yorkshire’s traveller through time’ can be purchased from our sales page
A brief biography is published on the Yorkshire Philosophical Society website here.
Sorby Medal
Established 1960 by Prof W.G. Fearnsides
Criteria: Awarded as an acknowledgement of distinguished contributions to geological knowledge, either of Yorkshire and the North of England, or by a person associated with Yorkshire or the North of England by birth, training or locus of research.
Most recent medallist: Rob Knipe (2024)
Learn about Sir Henry Clifton Sorby here
Moore Medal
Established 1988 by former students, in memory of Prof. & Mrs L. R. Moore
Criteria: Awarded as an acknowledgement of services to geology in the north of England.
Most recent medallist: Phil Murphy (2024)
Read Professor Moore’s obituary on the Geological Society of London website here
Dr W. S. Bisat Medal
Established 2013 by Prof. Patrick Boylan to mark YGS’ 175th Anniversary & 50th Anniversary of Dr Bisat’s death
Criteria: Awarded as an acknowledgement of distinguished contribution:
• To, or work bearing upon, applied geology in relation to northern England
• Applied geology by a person associated with northern England by birth, training or locus of work.
Most recent medallist: Tom Berry (2025)
Read an article about Dr Bisat’s life and work in the Proceedings of the Geologists’ Association here
Honorary Membership
Honorary Membership is conferred upon individual members of the Society who, in the opinion of Council, have been exemplary in their service and support of the Society and delivery of its objectives. Honorary Membership is awarded on an ad hoc basis when appropriate, and at the discretion of YGS Council.
Most recently conferred upon: Patrick Boylan (2023)