Edinburgh Science, an education charity known for its annual Edinburgh Science Festival, running now until Sunday 20 April 2025, hosted the prestigious Edinburgh Medal ceremony yesterday, where internationally recognised scientist Prof Johan Rockström was presented with the Award.
The Edinburgh Medal was awarded by the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge, with an oration delivered by Prof Mike Berners-Lee and Vote of Thanks by Susan Davies, Chair of The James Hutton Institute.
In leading the development of the Planetary Boundaries framework, Prof Rockström has defined the safe limits for humans to operate within to ensure a stable and resilient Earth that will allow humanity to thrive for generations to come. This framework has been embraced by governments, organisations and NGOs around the world to guide their approach to sustainable development.
With more than 25 years’ experience in applied water research in tropical regions, he is also a leading scientist on global water resources. Prof Rockström is Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Professor at the Institute of Earth and Environmental Science at Potsdam University and Professor in Water Systems and Global Sustainability at Stockholm University.
He has received numerous awards, most recently the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement and the Virchow Prize towards Health for all in 2024. In 2023 he was recognised in TIME100: Most Influential People. Passionate about public engagement with global issues, his TED talks have over seven million views and his popular science books Big World, Small Planet, Breaking Boundaries and The Human Quest encourage a shift toward more sustainable management of planetary resources.
Joining the Festival yesterday evening at Edinburgh’s City Chambers to receive the award, Prof Rockström delivered an address entitled Navigating Humanity’s Future on Earth, examining the challenges humanity faces in creating a sustainable future.
“I am truly honoured to receive the Edinburgh Medal from Edinburgh Science, whose commitment to making science accessible and engaging for all is profoundly inspiring. Science is not just for scientists—it’s a vital tool that empowers us all to make informed decisions and shape a better future. With six of the nine planetary boundaries already breached, science has never been more crucial in addressing the complex challenges we face and helping us collaborate to protect our planet for generations to come.”
Prof Johan Rockström
“Congratulations to Prof. Johan Rockström on being awarded the prestigious Edinburgh Medal. His groundbreaking work in defining the Planetary Boundaries framework has fundamentally transformed our global understanding of sustainability and resilience. Through visionary leadership, scientific excellence, and tireless public engagement, Prof. Rockström has empowered governments, institutions, and individuals alike to take meaningful action for our shared future. This honour is a fitting tribute to a scientist whose impact will be felt for generations to come.”
City of Edinburgh’s Lord Provost Robert Aldridge
“Johan Rockström’s inspiring work has revolutionised the way the world looks at our planet’s survival, by producing a practical and sensible framework for governments and organisations across the globe to follow. We are delighted to present him with the Edinburgh Medal in recognition of this incredible work.”
Edinburgh Science Director and CEO, Hassun El-Zafar
Edinburgh Science Festival was the world’s first festival of science and technology, and is still one of Europe’s largest. Running until Sunday 20 April under the theme Spaceship Earth, the 2025 festival explores the challenges of living on a planet with finite resources through the lenses of science fiction and space exploration.
