The Royal Society of Arts Fellowship Awards launch this year, marking a new moment in how we recognise the people driving positive change across our global community. The inaugural ceremony will take place in December 2026 at the House in London, with the event also livestreamed for Fellows around the world.
These awards celebrate the individuals whose work reflects the our mission: advancing ideas, supporting innovation, and strengthening civic participation. We will recognise Fellows who bring people together, lead with purpose, and create impact in their communities – including those whose contributions span a lifetime.
Nominations open on Wednesday, 17th June and will remain open for a 6-week period. We invite you to nominate the Fellows whose leadership, commitment and creativity you believe should be honoured.
Nominees in this section should demonstrate an impact on a regional basis through their place-based activity or through a thematic or subject-based community. Impact could have been delivered through a project, programme, activity or initiative. For each award title, all nominations will be reviewed, shortlisted, and conclude with the selection of one annual winner.
- Fellow-led Event of the Year – This category recognises a Fellow-led event that delivered an exemplary experience for Fellows and resulted in impact beyond the event itself. Consider professional event production, high attendee engagement both prior to and during the event, and evidence of the impact it had. If nominating for this award, please nominate the event organiser and share the name of the event in the supporting statement.
- Community Changemaker Award – This award celebrates a Fellow‑led project, programme, network or initiative (but not a standalone event) that delivered a tangible, evidenced benefit to a community over time. If nominating for this award, please nominate one of the organisers and share additional contributor names in the supporting statement.
- Fellowship Legacy Award – This award honours Fellows whose work has created meaningful and recognisable impact over time. Submissions should reference tangible activities that can be evidenced through supplementary materials such as RSA Journals, media coverage, or public records.
Nominees in this section should demonstrate the qualities expected of Fellowship leaders: commitment, constructive communication, collaborative working, alignment with RSA values, and adherence to the Fellows’ Code of Conduct. For each award title, all nominations will be reviewed, shortlisted, and conclude with the selection of one annual winner.
- Community Leader Award – This award recognises Fellows who have played a significant role in convening, building and mobilising their local Fellowship community, going above and beyond to make new Fellows feel welcome, and creating a sense of belonging and purpose.
- Network Leadership Award – This award recognises exemplary leadership and sustained contributions that strengthen thematic network engagement. It celebrates Network leads who bring their subject matter expertise and collaboration skills to the heart of their Fellowship community.
- Fellowship Councillor Award – This award recognises exemplary leadership and sustained contributions that strengthen regional engagement. It celebrates Councillors who bring their expertise and collaboration skills to the heart of their Fellowship community, representing local voices and acting as a driving force for positive social change.
- Area Team Award – This category acknowledges teams that exemplify strong collaboration and cohesion across Fellowship Engagement Managers, Fellowship Councillors, and Community Leaders, with clear evidence of shared impact. If nominating for this award, please nominate one of the Fellowship Councillors and share the names of other team members in the supporting statement
