Bank of England: A British scientist will feature on the next £50 note

The Bank of England told the public to “think science” when nominating new faces for the £50 note this morning.

Figures such as Stephen Hawking and Dorothy Hodgkin are among the early frontrunners in the race to be on the new plastic note, which comes as part of a six-week process where the public can put forward scientists for the Bank's character selection process.

Mark Carney, the governor of the Bank of England, has launched the makeover with additional plans to give the new note a plastic redesign, as has already been done with the current £5 and £10 notes.

Carney said: “I am delighted that the new £50 note will celebrate the UK’s contribution to science. There is a wealth of individuals whose work has shaped how we think about the world and who continue to inspire people today.”

Several high-profile names have been floated as candidates for the country’s highest denomination of banknote by public petitions in recent months, with calls ranging from England footballer manager Gareth Southgate to former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

However, the Bank said today that nominations must be a scientist of either sex that is British and deceased.

The current £50 note features industrial revolution figures Matthew Boulton and James Watt.