RCPath Science Communication Prize

What is the Science Communication Prize?

The Royal College of Pathologists Science Communication Prize is kindly sponsored by Sonic Healthcare UK. It is an award given to a pathology trainee, foundation doctor or undergraduate who has shown excellence in their science communication activities throughout the year. The prizes aim to: 

• cultivate awareness among pathology trainees, foundation doctors and undergraduates about the importance of public engagement
• reward and recognise trainees, foundation doctors and undergraduates who have undertaken sustained high-quality science communication activities.

There are 2 prizes, one for each of the following categories:

• Trainee category - UK pathology trainees
• Undergraduate category - UK undergraduates and foundation doctors.

Each winner in the trainee and undergraduate category will receive £500 and be invited to accept a certificate at the College's New Fellows Ceremony, which will be awarded by representatives of Sonic Healthcare UK. An interview with the winner will be posted on the College website.

 Judging process

The decision on the Science Communication Prize winner will be made by a selection committee composed of the Vice President for Communications, Director of Publishing and Engagement and a member of the Public Engagement department. Selection by the committee will be based on evidence of a sustained commitment to high quality public engagement activities – further information is in the guidance for applicants below.

How to enter

Full details are in the guidance document below. Completed application forms must be submitted to [email protected] by 23:59 on Monday 28 July 2025. 

• All applications must be made using the official form. 

• Submission of an application provides consent to informal inquiries about the accuracy of any claims made in the nomination. 

• Please keep the application form to a maximum of 2 sides of A4 paper (minimum 11pt text). 

• Forms that exceed this limit may be discarded. 

• An application is valid for that year's award only. Unsuccessful candidates are welcome to reapply in future years. 

About our sponsor: Sonic Healthcare UK

The Science Communication Prize's sponsor, Sonic Healthcare UK, are leaders in consultant-led diagnostics, innovation, value, and long-term investment in private and NHS healthcare provision.

Sonic Healthcare UK includes The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) and Health Services Laboratories (HSL) which is a joint venture with UCLH and the Royal Free Hospitals Group. The Doctors Laboratory has over 30 years’ experience in the UK pathology market and have been working in partnership with the NHS for over 20 years.

Sonic Healthcare UK is part of the Sonic Healthcare group, one of the world’s largest clinical diagnostics groups with a demonstrated track record of medical excellence. Find out more at www.sonichealthcare.co.uk.

2025 prize winners 

Our 2025 winners are Isha Harris and Dr Rebecca Shaw. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of this competition by Sonic Healthcare UK, both winners will be awarded £500 each.

Isha Harris

Isha Harris is a fifth year medical student at the University of Cambridge. 

Isha is Co‑President of Students Against Pseudoscience (CUSAP), a student-run movement at the University of Cambridge dedicated to helping the public recognise, evaluate, and act on reliable scientific information. CUSAP is the only student organisation of its kind. Over the past year, Isha has curated and chaired events tackling issues such as anti‑vaccination narratives, COVID conspiracies and sexual health myths. Alongside events, Isha relaunched CUSAP’s blog, establishing an editorial process and recruiting contributors, as well as authoring several articles of her own.

 

Q&A with Isha

How do you feel about winning this year’s RCPath Science Communication Prize?

I'm very grateful to have my work with Students Against Pseudoscience recognised and feel incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made this year and the impact our efforts are having. Thank you to all the committee, past and present, for their hard work and dedication!

Why did you enter this year's competition?

Science communication is something I care very deeply about. The extraordinary advances of modern medicine can only reach their full potential when people understand and trust them — and since doctors are the public’s main interface with science, we can make a real difference. At a time when anti-science sentiment is rising around the world, I feel this responsibility more strongly than ever. Entering the competition felt like a chance to share this perspective and, I hope, encourage more doctors to see public communication as a core duty rather than an afterthought.

What would you say to anyone who is considering entering this competition?

Absolutely go for it! There's so much value in having the confidence to put yourself out there and just have a go — you have nothing to lose! Back yourself, and don't underestimate the impact of your contributions — even small actions can make a huge difference.

Dr Rebecca Shaw

Dr Rebecca Shaw is an ST7 haematology registrar and a Clinical Research Fellow at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. 

Rebecca led and contributed to a series of impactful science communication initiatives focusing on thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare and life-threatening blood disorder. Most notably, she was instrumental in the conception, development, and dissemination of ‘You, Me & TTP’, the first patient-led educational film about TTP. This project was funded through a competitive Wellcome Trust grant for Patient and Public Engagement, and it brought together patients, clinicians, and New Leaf Productions in a powerful collaboration.

In addition to the film, Rebecca has spoken at regional and national patient education events, including the UK TTP Network event, educating patients on what we know about the long-term complications associated with TTP. She also delivered targeted training to the North-West Ambulance Service, helping front-line responders understand the urgency of TTP diagnosis and care, where early recognition can be life-saving.

Q&A with Rebecca

How do you feel about winning this year’s RCPath Science Communication Prize?

I was delighted to win the 2025 RCPath Science Communication Prize; it’s a testament to the power of collaborative, patient-centred communication in advancing the understanding of rare diseases like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). I am very grateful to collaborators, colleagues, particularly my colleague and mentor Dr Tina Dutt, and all to the patients who made the work possible.

Why did you enter this year's competition?

My very supportive colleagues encouraged me to enter - I really believe in striving to give a platform to under-represented patient groups; I’ve worked in Liverpool/Merseyside for almost 15 years, and the city has some of the worst health and social inequalities in the UK, this competition provided an opportunity to showcase the incredible work that our local patients have done.

What would you say to anyone who is considering entering this competition?

I would strongly encourage it! Science communication is not just about explaining complex concepts - it’s about connecting people to science in a way that resonates with their lived experiences. This competition is a great way to bring your work to a community that celebrates the importance of that.