Bill Macfarlane Smith Memorial Prize
About the Prize
The Bill Macfarlane Smith Memorial Prize for Science Communication recognises excellence in communicating scientific research to a wider audience.
Established in memory of Dr Bill Macfarlane Smith and administered by the Scottish Society for Crop Research (SSCR), the prize celebrates early-career researchers who demonstrate an ability to communicate complex scientific ideas clearly, effectively and engagingly.
First awarded in 2026 at The James Hutton Institute's Annual Research Symposium, the prize consists of £500 and a certificate.
The award aims to encourage researchers to share their work beyond specialist scientific communities, highlighting the importance of accessible and engaging science communication.
About Dr Bill Macfarlane Smith
Dr Bill Macfarlane Smith (1942–2024) was a respected scientist with a background in plant breeding and genetics who made significant contributions to agricultural research throughout his career.
Based at the Scottish Crop Research Institute (SCRI) in Invergowrie, now part of The James Hutton Institute, Bill served as Head of Scientific Liaison and Information Services (SLIS) and was later an Honorary Research Fellow. He also contributed his expertise to numerous industry and government committees concerned with crop production and improvement.
A graduate of the Universities of Aberdeen and Reading, Bill was committed to supporting scientific research, sharing knowledge and strengthening links between science and the wider community.
The Bill Macfarlane Smith Memorial Prize was established in his memory to recognise and encourage excellence in science communication among early-career researchers, reflecting the importance of making scientific knowledge accessible to a wider audience.
Previous Prize Recipients
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Zoë Marshall –Zoë Marshall Wins Inaugural SSCR Science Communication Prize | SSCR Scottish Society for Crop Research |
Zoë Marshall became the inaugural recipient of the prize at the Hutton Annual Research Symposium on 11 November 2026.
Her presentation, “Back to the Future: Helping Barley Grow on Low Nutrient Soils Using Ancient Genetics,” explored how the genetics of ancient Scottish Bere barley could help improve the resilience of modern crops.
The award marked the beginning of a new SSCR initiative celebrating excellence in science communication among researchers developing their scientific careers.
