The Royal Society Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture is awarded for "excellence in communicating science to UK audiences.

"[1] Named after Michael Faraday, the medal itself is made of silver gilt, and is accompanied by a purse of £2500.

The winner is required to present a lecture as part of the Society's annual programme of public events, which is usually held in January of the following year; during the lecture, the President of the Royal Society awards the medal.

[2] Unlike other prizes awarded by the society, the committee has not always publicly provided a rationale.

This has occurred five times—in 2004 to Martin Rees, in 2006 to Richard Fortey, in 2007 to Jim Al-Khalili, in 2008 to John D. Barrow and most recently in 2009 to Marcus du Sautoy.