ISF has been proud to establish a series of Gold Medal Awards for Human Achievement to celebrate the contributions of certain individuals to the humanities and natural sciences. Drawing on Idries Shah’s life-long interest in selflessness and being the very best form of oneself possible, the awards celebrate the accomplishments and thinking of four men and four women each year.

In addition, a posthumous award will be presented, as well as one to an NGO or Foundation. Taking the form of gilded ormolu medallions, the awards are minted by Spink & Son, medal-makers to the British Crown. Each honour is accompanied by a hand-drawn calligraphic certificate.

The ISF Award Committee has the pleasure to announce the nominations of the very first recipients, each one of whom has made a huge contribution to the humanities or the natural sciences.

In making their selection, the Award Committee focused in particular on certain individuals who either knew Idries Shah personally, or whose work has espoused the ideals so central to Shah’s thinking.

FEMALE LAUREATES      MALE LAUREATES     POSTHUMOUS     NGO