To celebrate excellence in pathology practice and promote high standards in pathology education, training and research to deliver the best patient care, the College (RCPath) established the RCPath Achievement Awards. These awards complement the College’s existing schemes that celebrate public engagement and research.
This year, we’ve introduced five new awards to recognise teams and individuals who have achieved above and beyond in pathology.
Winners will be presented with their awards from the College President at the RCPath Annual Dinner.
Team Awards
Pathology services
One award to be given to a team who have achieved above and beyond what would be expected in their usual course of their work. For example, quality improvement activities, setting up new services, innovation in service delivery, reaching new patient groups, or educating and training staff and students.
Sustainability
An award recognising a pathology team that has implemented innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions (or equivalents), with measurable impact. The panel seeks pioneering initiatives that go beyond incremental improvements and exceed normal job requirements. Applications must demonstrate clear evidence of impact, strong leadership, and effective engagement that inspires others, making the solution valuable for sharing across the wider pathology community. Sponsored by Source LDPath.
Innovation, technology, or development of AI
Partnership working
An award to two or more organisations that have worked in partnership to achieve identified outcomes or objectives for the benefit of patient care. Nominees should demonstrate examples of partnership working that are exceptional and out of the ordinary.
Individual Awards
Leadership award
Awarded to a pathology/laboratory manager/leader who provides direction, support and inspiration. The winning individual will have developed a positive culture that supports, develops and improves their team’s services. This would be an individual award and can be a self-nomination or a nomination made by a colleague (Only RCPath Fellows/ members can be nominated for this category).
Trainer of the Year
Recognising an individual who has shown dedication and has had a positive impact on trainees’ development. Self-nominations as well nominations made by a colleague are permitted. (Only RCPath Fellows/ members can be nominated for this category.)
Trainee award
To recognise an individual who has shown initiative and talent that has made a significant impact on their team or organisation. This would be an individual award and can be a self-nomination or a nomination made by a colleague. Eligible trainees include doctors in training in a GMC-approved pathology* training programme, clinical scientists (e.g. in a Scientist Training Programme (STP) or Higher Specialist Scientist Training programme (HSST) in the life sciences specialties), oral & maxillofacial pathology trainees and veterinary pathologists in a training programme. Trainees do not need to be registered as a member of the College in order to be eligible.
*Chemical pathology, diagnostic neuropathology, forensic histopathology, haematology, histopathology, immunology (clinical and laboratory immunology), medical microbiology (including dual trainees), medical virology (including dual trainees), paediatric & perinatal pathology.
How to nominate
- Only RCPath members can nominate for the Team Award categories.
- Teams may nominate themselves but at least one member of the team must be an RCPath member.
- Teams may be multi-professional but the activities under consideration must have been at least part-led by a RCPath member, who must have made a substantial contribution, or the activity must directly benefit RCPath trainees or members.
- Teams that include Royal College of Pathologist staff members are not eligible for nomination.
- Nominated trainees will need to be in a formal training programme to be eligible
- Individuals can self-nominate.
- Colleagues of eligible RCPath members are permitted to nominate in the individual award categories.
Achievement Awards Criteria 2026
Nominations will be considered for an award on the following criteria, scored 1–5:
- Evidence of support for achievement in citation.
- Strength of supportive evidence.
- Evidence of impact, e.g. clinical and patient outcomes, improved workflow and processes.
- Alignment with the College’s 2024-29 Strategy.
- Team nominations should demonstrate actions that have been taken over and above the normal requirements of the team’s work.
Closing date for nominations
Completed online nomination forms must be submitted by midnight on Monday 9 March 2026.
How to submit nominations
Forms must include a statement of up to 200 words, indicating why the nominee should receive the award (the citation must be suitable for publication).
If you experience any issues whilst submitting a nomination form, or have any questions about the nominations process please email us at [email protected].
How will nominations be judged?
The College Nominations Committee will act as judges based on the criteira listed above.
You can also view information about the winners of the RCPath Achievement Awards 2025, RCPath Achievement Awards 2024, RCPath Achievement Awards 2023, RCPath Achievement Awards 2022, RCPath Achievement Awards 2021, RCPath Achievement Awards 2020 and RCPath Excellence Awards 2019.