Chalmers Medal
The Chalmers Medal recognises researchers in tropical medicine or global health who demonstrate evidence of mentoring and professional development of junior investigators, and other forms of capacity building. The Medal was last open in 2024.
Eligibility and nominations
- Nominations are annual and will next open on the 2nd of February 2024.
- Nominees should be researchers in tropical medicine or international health from anywhere in the world, who obtained their last relevant qualification between 15 and 20 years ago, allowing for career breaks
- Nominations must show evidence of mentoring of junior investigators, and evidence of providing professional development to junior investigators.
- Nominations should come from RSTMH members and Fellows ONLY
- Nominees should be RSTMH members or Fellows ONLY
- Self-nominations must be accompanied by a supporting statement from an RSTMH members or Fellow
- For any enquiries regarding this award, please contact Nisreen [dot] Hamad [at] rstmh [dot] org.
2024 Chalmers Medal recipient: Professor Taane Clark
The winner of the 2024 Chalmers Medal was Professor Taane Clark. He was nominated by Professor David Mabey.
Taane Clark is a Professor of Genomics and Global Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Originally from New Zealand, he began his scientific and epidemiological training at the University of Auckland, before completing a D.Phil in Statistical Genetics at Oxford. He furthered his expertise through post-doctoral research in malaria genomics at the Sanger Institute.
Professor Clark is internationally recognised for his contributions to infectious disease genomics, particularly in malaria, tuberculosis, and antimicrobial resistance. He utilises high-throughput sequencing and advanced analytical approaches to develop molecular and informatics tools that enhance disease surveillance and inform clinical decision-making. In doing so, he has fostered a large cohort of exceptional young scientists in this approach both nationally and internationally.
“I am honoured to receive this award and would like to express my gratitude to my colleagues, collaborating researchers, and mentees, as well as to the funders and partnering institutions whose support has been invaluable in making this achievement possible
“The application of ‘omics in global health plays an important role in informing infection control, particularly in high-burden settings. It is my hope that the legacy of our work—strengthening both capacity in people and tools—will continue to inspire and enable generations of researchers to lead ‘omics-supported investigations, ultimately reducing the global burden of disease.”
Professor Taane Clark
History and prize
Dr Albert John Chalmers, MD, FRCS, DPH was born in Manchester in 1870 and began his distinguished tropical career in Ghana where he worked from 1897 to 1901.
He spent the following ten years in Sri Lanka before becoming a Holt Fellow of University College, Liverpool. From 1913 to 1920 he was Director of the Wellcome Research Laboratories in the Sudan. He died in Calcutta on 5 April 1920.
In 1921, Mrs Chalmers, his widow gave £500 to RSTMH in memory of her husband. The RSTMH Council decided to devote this money to the foundation of the Chalmers Memorial Medal.
The Chalmers Medal recognises researchers in tropical medicine or global health who demonstrate evidence of mentoring and professional development of junior investigators, and other forms of capacity building.
These skills are in line with Dr Chalmers’ own values of supporting the work of younger researchers. Dr Chalmers was known for being ready with help and encouragement to those early in their careers.
Recipients recieve a medal, which is in silver gilt, and bears a likeness of Dr Chalmers and the motto Zonae torridae tutamen on one side, and the other side is a representation of Anopheles gambiae above a spray of the cinchona plant and encircled by the name of the Society.