Professor Mike Benton received the Association’s highest honour, The Lapworth Medal, and Professor Daniela Schmidt received the President’s Medal, which is awarded to exceptional academics with between 15 and 25 years of experience in their field.

One of the world’s foremost dinosaur experts, Prof Benton has made transformative contributions to our understanding of fossil records, forwarded knowledge on a number of prehistoric animals and brought modern, rigorous methods to the study of palaeobiology.

Over four decades he has published more than 600 research papers and 50 books, established the University of Bristol’s Master’s in Palaeobiology and founded the Bristol Dinosaur Project, which has inspired thousands of young learners to explore STEM fields.

Prof Benton has served as the President of the Geologists Association, the Palaeontological Association and the International Palaeontological Association. He was elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society in 2014.

Prof Benton: “It’s amazing to be honoured with this significant international award, a great recognition of my 40 years of research and student mentoring.”

Prof Schmidt uses prehistoric climate data to understand the impact of climate change on ocean ecosystems and her work has contributed significantly to understanding ocean acidification and its impacts on marine ecosystems.

She has played a vital role in translating science into actionable policy advice, serving as a Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and conducting hundreds of media interviews to help the public understand climate change and its impact.

As a mentor, she has guided more than 20 PhD students, many of whom have gone on to receive prestigious awards and pursue successful careers.

Prof Benton and Prof Schmidt received their awards together in Erlangen, Germany last week.

Prof Schmidt said: “The recognition of my peers for our work on adaptation of ecosystems to climate change through a palaeontological lens means a lot to me. Receiving it in Germany, my home country, by a UK-based association where I live and work now made it even more special. “

Professor Philip Donoghue, Professor of Palaeobiology at the University of Bristol, is head of the Palaeontology Research Group at the University and works closely with both colleagues.

Prof Donoghue said: “Dani and Mike are brilliant scientists and so we’re quite used to them hoovering up international awards.

“However, it was amazing to see them both pick up the two senior awards from the Palaeontological Association, reflecting both the strength of their reputations and the breadth and quality of research in Bristol Palaeobiology.”