Three leading researchers from the University of Glasgow have been named as the recipients of medals from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE).
 
They are among 11 recipients of the esteemed medals, which are nominated by RSE Fellows and recognise outstanding contributions and achievements across all academic disciplines.
 
Professor Jonathan Cooper has received the RSE Lord Kelvin Medal, Eamon Keane has received the RSE June Almeida Medal and Dr Christopher Berry has received the RSE Lady Margaret Moir Medal.
 
Professor Anne Anderson, RSE Vice-President of Research, presented the medals at an event on Wednesday November 19, with Professor Dr Alison Hulme FRSE, reading the citations.

Professor Jon Cooper receives his RSE Medal
 
Professor Jonathan Cooper
Wolfson Chair of Biomedical Engineering, James Watt School of Engineering
 
The RSE Lord Kelvin Medal is awarded to Professor Jonathan Cooper, Wolfson Chair of Biomedical Engineering, for his original contribution to research and innovation in disease diagnostics, exemplified by his publications in top journals and his portfolio of IP and spin-out companies, and commitment to delivering low-cost solutions for diagnostics and monitoring of diseases in East Africa. Professor Cooper also has an outstanding record of mentoring early-career researchers, especially towards successful fellowships, and advocacy through significant public engagement and educational outreach.
 
Professor Cooper said: “It is a great honour to receive the RSE Lord Kelvin Medal. In doing so, it gives me the opportunity to recognise the many contributions to my research that have been made by my students, colleagues, collaborators and mentors, past and present. Working at the interface between engineering and medicine requires inputs from many individuals and teams, and this award is a testament to a collective pursuit of knowledge, innovation and impact. The legacy of Lord Kelvin, not just in basic science, but also in instrumentation, makes this award particularly meaningful - in recognition of our work in measuring and recording changes in the prevalence of disease in humans and animals. I am truly grateful to the Society and the selection committee for this medal.”

Eamon Keane receives an RSE Medal
 
Mr Eamon Keane
Lecturer in Evidence and Criminal Procedure, School of Law
 
The RSE June Almeida Medal is awarded to Mr Eamon Keane, Lecturer in Evidence and Criminal Procedure, for his work in improving legal responses to sexual violence, both in the provision of support to complainants in sexual offence cases and in influencing law reform. Mr Keane is Principal Solicitor of the Emma Ritch Law Clinic, which provides free legal services to survivors of sexual violence. He has carried out a series of research projects relating to the prosecution of sexual offences, including a 2020 report which made proposals for independent legal representation for complainants in sexual offence cases and has influenced law reform proposals currently before the Scottish Parliament.
 
Mr Keane said: “I am truly honoured to receive the RSE June Almeida Medal. My work as both an academic and a practising solicitor has been supported by far too many generous colleagues over the years to mention. I want to acknowledge that much of my work is only possible due to the bravery and fortitude of victims/survivors of sexual offences themselves. As a lawyer, it’s my privilege to be able to use the law to try and give a sense of agency to those so often robbed of it. I am very grateful to the Royal Society of Edinburgh for acknowledging my work.”

Dr Christopher Berry receives his RSE Medal
 
Dr Christopher Berry
Senior Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy, School of Physics & Astronomy
 
The RSE Lady Margaret Moir Medal is awarded to Dr Christopher Berry, Senior Lecturer in Physics & Astronomy. Dr Berry has demonstrated the breadth and depth of his research on data analysis and astrophysics of gravitational wave sources. His commitment to public outreach and science communication, his leadership and service for the gravitational wave community in Scotland, the UK and internationally, and his mentorship of students have proven Dr Berry a deserving recipient of this medal.
 
Dr Christopher Berry said, “I am delighted to be recognised with this award. I am fortunate to be working in gravitational wave astronomy, as we are making such exciting discoveries—breakthroughs that are only possible thanks to the collaboration of many dedicated scientists across the world, and the vision of science councils willing to invest over many decades. It has been wonderfully exciting to make these first observations of coalescing black holes and neutron stars, and I am looking forward to many more discoveries to come as we continue to search.”
 
Professor Anne Anderson said: “The RSE’s prestigious medals, which are nominated by RSE Fellows, are awarded to recognise truly outstanding accomplishments. Representing a range of fields, this year’s medallists join a remarkable group of pioneers whose work advances our knowledge and helps to improve lives all over the world. Their achievements highlight the depth and breadth of Scotland’s research talent. I congratulate them all.”

First published: 20 November 2025

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