A Scots-born geologist well known for his TV documentaries has been honoured by one of Scotland's most prestigious institutions.

Professor Iain Stewart, chair in geoscience communication at Plymouth University, appears regularly on programmes about geological change, including the BBC's Journeys From The Centre of the Earth.

The East Kilbride-born academic has received the Royal Society of Edinburgh Senior Public Engagement Prize for 2016.

Prof Stewart's is among a number of experts whose disciplines ranging from race equality to particle physics have been recognised by the society.

Other winners include Dr Helen Bridle, Assistant Professor, Heriot-Watt University, who was awarded the RSE Innovator’s Public Engagement Prize.

Professor Anthony Doyle, of the School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Glasgow, was awarded the RSE/Lord Kelvin Medal, a senior prize, for his outstanding contribution to the field of experimental particle physics and for his extensive public engagement activities.

Professor Thomas Simpson, Alfred Capper Pass Professor of Chemistry, School of Chemistry University of Bristol, received the RSE/Sir James Black Medal, a senior prize, for his outstanding contribution to the biosynthesis of natural products as a pioneer in the interdisciplinary field of chemical biology.

Dr Asier Unciti-Broceta, of Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, was awarded the RSE/Patrick Neill Medal, an early career prize, for his research work in biomedical technologies and innovative therapeutics through multi-disciplinary collaboration.

Dr Malcolm Macdonald, Reader of Space Technology, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde, received the RSE/Makdougall Brisbane Medal, an early career prize, for his research in the development and application of space mission systems to challenge conventional ideas and advance new concepts in the exploration and exploitation of space.

Mr Adam Purvis, Founder and Director, Power of Youth, Edinburgh, received the RSE/Henry Duncan Medal, an early career prize, for his work in promoting entrepreneurship across the globe to build a better world through business.

Dr Nasar Meer, Reader in Comparative Social Policy and Citizenship, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, University of Strathclyde, received the RSE/Thomas Reid Medal, an early career prize, for his ground-breaking research work on Muslim identities, race equality and nationalism.

Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, President of the RSE, pictured, said: "They, along with previous recipients, help to advance 'learning and useful knowledge', which is also part of the RSE's remit.”