Royal Society Environment Prize Lecture to Explore Sustainable Food Production and Biodiversity Conservation

The Royal Society Environment Prize Lecture will take place on 16 June 2026 and will be delivered by Professor Andrew Balmford FRS, recipient of the 2025 Royal Society Environment Medal. The lecture, entitled Feeding the World Without Costing the Earth, will examine one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to meet growing food demand while protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change.

Professor Balmford is a leading conservation scientist at the University of Cambridge whose work focuses on reconciling biodiversity conservation with human needs, including food production and sustainable land use. He received the Royal Society Environment Medal in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to conservation science and his efforts to build partnerships that have transformed conservation practice and education.

During the lecture, Professor Balmford will discuss recent evidence on reducing the environmental impacts of food systems. Drawing on research conducted across five continents, he will examine the effects of different farming approaches on biodiversity and explore how agricultural production can be managed in ways that both support food security and safeguard natural habitats. The lecture will also address the opportunities and challenges associated with sustainable high-yield farming, habitat conservation and climate mitigation.

The event forms part of the Royal Society's programme of prize lectures, which showcase the work of leading researchers and highlight scientific contributions to major societal challenges. The lecture will be held at the Royal Society in London and will also be available online. Participation is free of charge.

Event details

• Royal Society Environment Prize Lecture
• Title: Feeding the World Without Costing the Earth
• Speaker: Professor Andrew Balmford FRS
• Date: 16 June 2026
• Time: 18:30–19:30 UTC
• Format: In person and online
• Organiser: The Royal Society

For further information and registration, visit the Royal Society event page.