The Excellence in Science Award (sponsored by Portland Press) was first awarded in 1964 by the Ciba Laboratories (later Ciba-Geigy and then Novartis) and was presented as The Novartis Medal and Prize until 2021. Since 2021, the award has been sponsored by Portland Press, the publishing arm of the Biochemical Society, ensuring the continuation of this prestigious award.

The Excellence in Science Award is presented annually in recognition of contributions to the development of any branch of the molecular biosciences. The award is for work carried out in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and is open to candidates of any nationality.