The Swedish Chemical Society - Oscar Carlson Medal

What the Oscar Carlson Medal is

In recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of chemistry, you will receive a silver medal, not a cash prize. The medal has a diameter of 60 mm and weighs approximately 107.5 g. It is awarded by the Swedish Chemical Society (Svenska Kemisamfundet), the national umbrella organisation for chemistry in Sweden, which has been awarding the medal since 1924.

Who can receive it

• Who you are: You are a chemist from Sweden. The prize is awarded exclusively to Swedish chemists.
• Your work: You have made an outstanding contribution to scientific chemistry or chemical engineering, or you have given long and dedicated service to the Swedish Chemical Society.
• Career stage: This award is presented to established chemists, not students. Previous winners have included experienced researchers and long-standing experts in the field.
• Where you work: Any university or employer. You are not tied to any particular institution.

How it is awarded

You cannot apply yourself. A medals committee (medaljnämnd) collects nominations and puts forward candidates. The Society’s board then decides who receives the medal. It is awarded only once every five years. Most recently, it was awarded to Agneta Sjögren for 2021.

How realistic are your chances?

This is a unique, prestigious award which is presented only once every five years to a Swedish chemist, making it one of the most difficult awards to win in this field. Candidates cannot nominate themselves. They must be nominated and selected by the Society on the basis of an outstanding body of work. In practice, the award recognises the lifetime achievements of a Swedish chemist rather than a single project.