RSE honour for St Andrews academic

Monday 23 May 2022

A University of St Andrews professor has been awarded the Royal Society of Edinburgh’s Thomas Makdougall Brisbane Medal.

Image of Professor Johnathan FraserProfessor Jonathan Fraser, of the School of Mathematics and Statistics at St Andrews, receives the medal for his world-leading research in fractal geometry.

Professor Fraser has received the prestigious RSE award in recognition of his work pioneering new directions, attracting global interest, and solving several long-standing problems in the field of fractal geometry. In addition, he has been dedicated to outreach activities across Scotland.

Professor Fraser said: “I am delighted to be awarded the RSE/Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane Medal. It is humbling to join such an impressive and diverse list of previous winners. Research is not a solo pursuit, and I gratefully acknowledge the support and inspiration I receive from my family, friends and collaborators.”

Each year the RSE highlights some of the UK’s most outstanding talent through its Royal Medallists and Prize Winners awards. The awards are given to those working at the present time and range from those who have reached the pinnacle of their discipline and are regarded as such internationally, to those who are showing great potential in the early stages of their career.

Professor Sir John Ball, President of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, said: “I offer my warm congratulations to this year’s RSE medal recipients, who join a group of pioneers whose discoveries have advanced knowledge and our understanding of the world.

“Their outstanding work showcases the international reputation of Scottish research and innovation.”


The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), using the expertise of its Fellows, creates a unique impact by:

  • Inspiring and supporting talent through a wide-ranging programme of research grants and awards.
  • Engaging the public across Scotland on key contemporary issues through its outreach programme RSE@ and a wide-ranging programme of public events.
  • Providing impartial advice and expertise to inform policy and practice through in-depth examination of major issues and providing expert comment on topical matters.
  • Promoting Scotland’s interests overseas through building relationships with sister academies across the world and facilitating research collaborations.

Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office.

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