London, UK – SCI (Society of Chemical Industry) was honoured to welcome Dame Emma Walmsley to its headquarters in Belgrave Square on 28th July 2026, where she received the SCI President’s Medal from SCI President Paul Drechsler CBE in recognition of her exceptional leadership and contribution to science-led industry.
One of SCI’s highest honours, the President’s Medal was established in 1946 to recognise exemplary leadership that advances SCI’s purpose of accelerating scientific innovation into industry for the benefit of society. The award has been presented only 11 times since its creation, reflecting the exceptional achievements of its recipients.
As CEO of GSK for nine years, Dame Emma Walmsley led the transformation of the company into a focused, innovative biopharma organisation. She has been a powerful advocate for the value of diversity and inclusion, and, as one of the first CEOs of a major pharmaceutical company, is a role model for aspiring women leaders.
Presenting the award, SCI President Paul Drechsler CBE praised Dame Emma’s achievements and her leadership approach.
He said: “Under your leadership, GSK sharpened its scientific focus, strengthened its research capability, transformed its portfolio and successfully created Haleon as an independent global business. Throughout that period of change, you maintained a relentless focus on patients, scientific excellence and long-term value.
“Those achievements matter. But perhaps what matters even more is how you achieved them: by building a culture where outstanding science, commercial discipline and collaboration reinforced one another; by demonstrating that commercial success and societal benefit are not competing objectives, but partners in creating lasting impact.”
Sharon Todd OBE, CEO of SCI said: “Dame Emma exemplifies the kind of leadership that SCI seeks to celebrate through the President’s Medal. We are delighted to have been able recognise her remarkable contributions to the life sciences sector and her enduring commitment to ensuring that scientific innovation delivers meaningful benefits for patients and society.”
About the SCI
SCI is an independent, charitable learned society that helps bring science from the lab into industry quicker for the benefit of society.
SCI is a global network of innovators using science to tackle some of the big societal challenges of the day, across climate & planet and health & wellness. SCI brings together companies with $500bn in global sales and $30bn in scientific R&D; publishes nine peer reviewed journals, including the recently launched Sustainability journal; and convenes a broad range of technical and regional interest groups.
Through its mentoring and training programmes, SCI empowers future leaders in science and business.
SCI – Where Science Meets Business
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