The Sir Misha Black Awards were established in 1977 to honour those, who like him, have given distinguished services to design education.

The inclusion of the Sir Misha Black Awards in the Royal Commission’s portfolio, effective from February 2020, reinforces the Commission’s mission to “increase the means of industrial education and extend the influence of science and art upon productive industry”.

The Sir Misha Black Medal honours those who have given distinguished services to design education. It was the first, and is the only, international award to do so. The Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education salutes innovation in design education in the United Kingdom.

The first Medal was awarded in 1978 and the first Award for Innovation in 1999.

The present committee members represent Founding Bodies, the Design and Industries Association (DIA), the Royal Designers for Industry (RDI), the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAEng), the College of Medallists, Imperial College London and the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.

Sir Misha Black Medal for Distinguished Services to Design Education

Set up to commemorate the legacy of Sir Misha Black, the Sir Misha Black Medal is awarded to individuals across the globe who have made a significant contribution to design education. First awarded in 1978, the Medal began life as a biennial event but has since become an annual date within the design world calendar.

Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education

In 1999, the Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education was created to honour the exceptional work of a teacher, team, department, or course within or between educational establishments in the UK.