Professor Celia Hoyles awarded Kavli Education medal

The first ever "Royal Society Kavli Education Medal" has been awarded to Professor Celia Hoyles from the London Knowledge Lab, Institute of Education, University of London. The Medal, established by agreement with the Kavli Foundation, will be made biennially in recognition of a distinguished contribution made by an individual to science or mathematics education.

Awarded an OBE in the New Year's Honours list 2004 for services to mathematics education, Professor Hoyles was also chosen as the first recipient of the International Commission of Mathematics Instruction (ICMI) Hans Freudenthal medal in recognition of her cumulative programme of research. In December 2004 she took up the position of the U.K. Government's Chief Adviser for Mathematics a position she held until November 2007. In June 2007, Professor Hoyles was appointed as Director of the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics.

Dame Nancy Rothwell FRS, chair of the selecting committee for the award, said: "We are very pleased to be able to make our first award to an individual that has made an invaluable contribution to mathematics education at every stage in her career. Her time as Chief Advisor for Mathematics to the UK government was pivotal in raising the profile of mathematics within Whitehall, ensuring that rigorous research had a direct impact on policy development. At a time when a good mathematics education system is vital to our country's future economic competitiveness, her continued contributions are very highly appreciated."

Commenting on her award, Professor Hoyles said: "I have loved mathematics all my life and have worked to foster this love and engagement in others through my research and practice. As an educator rather than a practicing mathematical researcher, the award of a medal by the Royal Society is something I would not have dreamed possible. I am of course delighted, honoured and not a little daunted.

I am sure that the establishment of the Royal Society Kavli Education Medal in the field of Science and Mathematics Education will enhance still further the status of these two domains in this country; and I hope that my work plays some part in furthering this goal."

The award consists of a bronze gilt medal and a gift of 500 pounds. Professor Hoyles will give a lecture and be awarded the medal by the President of the Royal Society at an event in January 2011.

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