SIR EDWARD APPLETON has been awarded the Faraday Medal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, for the conspicuous services rendered by him in the advancement of electrical science, particularly in the field of radio propagation. This Medal is awarded not more frequently than once a year, either for notable scientific or industrial achievement in electrical engineering or for conspicuous service rendered to the advancement of electrical science, without restriction as regards nationality, country of residence or membership of the Institution. Educated at Bradford, and then at St. John's College, Cambridge (scholar and exhibitioner), Sir Edward became, in 1920, assistant demonstrator in experimental physics at the Cavendish Laboratory. He was Wheatstone professor of physics, University of London, during 1924-36 and Jacksonian professor of natural philosophy, Cambridge, during 1936-39. His early researches in connexion with the propagation of radio waves, and particularly on their reflexion and refraction, have been acknowledged by naming one of the ionospheric layers after him. His work was of fundamental importance in the development of radiolocation. In his capacity of secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, which he has filled since 1939, his inspiration and guidance of the use of science in many fields of national activity have been major factors in the success of the scientific effort of Great Britain. Sir Edward, who was elected to the Royal Society in 1927, is chairman of the British National Committee for Radio-telegraphy, vice-president of the American Institute of Radio Engineers and president of the International Scientific Radio Union.