Professor McCrudden MRIA, was honoured with the RIA Gold Medal in the Social Sciences for his expertise in human rights and law.  

He is the academic member of the Judicial Studies Board for Northern Ireland, a member of the Board of the Irish Centre for European Law, and chair of its Northern Ireland Committee. He is also L. Bates Lea Global Law Professor at the University of Michigan Law School. 

Specialising in human rights, Professor McCrudden concentrates on issues of equality and discrimination, and international and comparative human rights law. 

Professor McCrudden was honoured alongside with Yvonne Buckley, ecologist and Professor of Zoology at Trinity College Dublin. The ceremony took place at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin and and the awards were presented by Minister James Lawless, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science.  

Speaking in his keynote address at the ceremony, Minister Lawless said: “It is my honour to congratulate Professor Yvonne Buckley and Professor Christopher McCrudden on receiving the 2026 Royal Irish Academy Gold Medals. These prestigious awards recognise not only distinguished careers of scholarly achievement, but also the global leadership that Irish researchers continue to provide across disciplines. 

“Professor Buckley’s outstanding contributions to environmental science, geography and the geosciences, and Professor McCrudden’s pioneering scholarship, exemplify the highest standards of intellectual excellence and demonstrate the transformative power of research. Their achievements enhance Ireland’s international reputation for world‑class scholarship and underscore the essential role of rigorous inquiry in building a more informed, resilient and prosperous society.

“As Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, I warmly congratulate both awardees and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting Ireland’s research community.” 

The RIA Gold Medals were established to acclaim Ireland’s foremost thinkers in the humanities, social sciences, and across the fields of science. 

The medals aim to identify and recognise inspirational figures, in order to celebrate the achievements of higher education in Ireland and to inspire future generations. In doing so, the Gold Medals have become recognised as a truly national expression of celebration for scholarly achievement on the island of Ireland. 

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s commented: "Queen's University is renowned for excellence in scholarship and research on the island of Ireland and internationally. I am delighted to congratulate our esteemed colleague, Professor Christopher McCrudden, who has been honoured by the Royal Irish Academy for his outstanding academic research and achievements in human rights and law, particularly on issues of equality and discrimination and the relationship between international and comparative human rights law.”   

Professor Christopher McCrudden MRIA, said: “I am extremely honoured to receive the Royal Irish Academy's Gold Medal in the Social Sciences and I am very grateful to the Academy for this prestigious award. I am also profoundly grateful to the School of Law at Queen’s and my academic colleagues for providing the scholarly environment in which excellence in research has been actively promoted.” 

The presentation of these medals to date, brings the total to 40 medals awarded since 2005; notable recipients have included philosopher Professor Dermot Moran; literary and cultural studies expert Professor Anne Fuchs, immunologist, Professor Fergus Shanahan; scientist, Professor Seamus Martin; and environmentalist Professor Jennifer McElwain.  

Imelda Maher, RIA Senior Vice President emphasised the significance of this award: “The RIA Gold Medals represent one of the highest distinctions in higher education research, honouring scholars whose work has made a remarkable impact. The 2026 recipients, Professor Buckley and Professor McCrudden, exemplify excellence through their commendable commitment to innovation, scholarship and academic leadership. Their contributions continue to influence the direction of their respective fields, and this recognition reflects both the significance of their research and the breadth of its influence.” 

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