The Leighton Memorial Medal commemorates the distinguished career of A E Leighton. As a staunch supporter of the RACI, Leighton carried out an enormous amount of work to secure the RACI Royal Charter. The Leighton Memorial Medal is the RACI's most prestigious medal and is awarded in recognition of eminent services to chemistry in Australia in the broadest sense, including research, technology and service to the RACI, public service and national leadership.