The Paton Prize Lecture
This lecture celebrates the history of scientific experiments and ideas. It is given on an historical aspect of physiology.
Who can be nominated?
The Paton Prize Lecture is by invitation only
What is the award?
- £500 award
- Lecture is delivered in conjunction with The Society’s blue plaques
How can I nominate?
The Paton Prize Lecture is by invitation only from the Local Organising Committee of the respective blue plaque
What are the selection criteria?
The Paton Prize Lecture is awarded in conjunction with The Society’s blue plaques. The lecturer will an historical lecture related to the blue plaque recipient.
Previous winners
2013: Geoffrey Burnstock (at IUPS)
2014: Peter Sleight
2015: Tilli Tansey
2016: Bert Sakmann
2017: Tom Kirkwood (at IUPS)
2018: Josephine Arendt
2019: Kevin Fong
2020: Semir Zeki
2022: David Miller
2023: Richard Morris
Who was Sir William Paton?
Sir William Paton (1917-1993)
The fund originated with a donation from Professor Sir William Paton with a matching contribution from the Society.
He was an English physiologist, pharmacologist and Fellow of the Royal Society, considered by many to be one of the world’s greatest pharmacologists. He was responsible for discovering two new classes of drugs, one of which was the first drug that specifically and safely lowered blood pressure.
Paton not only made countless discoveries but was also heavily involved in numerous public committees and had a special interest in the history of medicine.
In addition to the prize lecture, we also award the Paton Historical Studies Fund.