University of Portsmouth’s Emeritus Professor Andy Gale named among recipients of the Geological Society 2026’s Medals, Awards and Funds
A Portsmouth geologist has been named as a winner of The Geological Society’s prestigious 2026 Medal, Awards and Funds, in recognition of his significant achievements and service to the geoscience community.
The awards honour individuals whose work has made a lasting impact on the field.
Professor Andy Gale, Emeritus Professor from the University of Portsmouth’s School of the Environment and Life Sciences is among the recipients and was awarded the Prestwich Medal, which is presented every three years to an individual 'who shall have done well for the advancement of the science of geology'.
The award was established in honour of Sir Joseph Prestwich (1812-1896), who was a British geologist and businessman.
Professor Gale, who worked full time in the University of Portsmouth’s Faculty of Science and Health between 2007-2016 before becoming an Emeritus Professor, said: “I am very surprised and pleased to receive this award, which is for lifelong contributions to development of the science of geology. It also reflects on the high academic standards achieved by the School of the Environment and Life Sciences in Portsmouth, where I taught for 10 years.
“I was a passionate fossil collector as a schoolboy, and when I got to university at King's College, London, I gradually transformed into a proper geologist. Fieldwork has always been such an important element of geology for me, with extensive work in India, north Africa France and Texas in particular. It has been wonderful to visit the geology of so many places, and my enthusiasm for the subject is unabated.”
Professor Gale has contributed over 300 academic papers in his career and is in the top 2 per cent of cited researchers in the world.
Dr Michelle Hale, Head of School from the University’s School of the Environment and Life Sciences, added: "This award recognises not only Professor Gale’s scholarly achievements but also his enduring influence across the discipline. His work continues to shape geological research and inspire colleagues and students worldwide."
A formal presentation ceremony will be held at Burlington House on 17 June 2026 as part of the Society’s annual President’s Day celebrations. The Society warmly congratulates each and every one of this year’s prize winners.
The Geological Society of London, known commonly as the Geological Society, is a learned society based in the United Kingdom. It is the oldest national geological society in the world and the largest in Europe, with more than 12,000 Fellows.
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