The RAS Council have "complete freedom as to the grounds on which it is awarded" [2 ] and it can be awarded for any reason. [3 ] Past awards have been given for "outstanding personal researches in the fields of astronomy and geophysics" as…
I notice Geoffrey Burbidge was mentioned in Popular Scientist. Apparently some people think he's a crank because of his controversial views on big bang theory.
John Cocke (May 30, 1925 – July 16, 2002) was an American computer scientist at IBM and recognized for his large contribution to computer architecture and optimizing compiler design.