The RSAA awards two medals, namely the Sir Percy Sykes Memorial Medal and the Lawrence of Arabia Memorial Medal, to individuals who have distinguished themselves in their contribution to cultural relations, exploration, research or literature. The Society also awards its own Special Award, and administers two awards for young people: the RSAA Travel & Adventure Award for purposeful travel by young people aged between 18 and 25, and the JPT Award for medical students undertaking electives in Asia