Congratulations to this year’s Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize winner, Laura Stark. Laura is a foundation doctor in Cardiff, hoping to train as a haematologist.

The essay question for this year’s prize was 'Pathologists often work at the cutting edge of medicine. Write about an important recent innovation in any field of pathology, and the impact it has had, or will have, on healthcare. Consider any barriers to use of your chosen innovation in frontline patient care, and possible solutions to these.' We had the largest ever number of entries this year, demonstrating the interest in pathology among foundation doctors in the UK.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the competition and to the judges, Professor Marta Cohen and Dr Matthew Clarke, who had the difficult task of scoring all the brilliant essays and deciding on an overall winner.

The Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize will reopen in early 2026. In the meantime, you can read Laura’s winning essay on our competition webpage.

We also run an essay prize for undergraduates. The 2025 winner of the Paola Domizio Undergraduate Essay Prize was announced in June, and you can read the winning essay on the competition webpage.

We asked this year’s winner, Laura, a few questions about this year's prize. 

How do you feel about winning this year’s Hugh Platt Foundation Essay Prize?
I thoroughly enjoyed writing the essay and was very surprised to find out that I had won! 

Why did you enter this essay competition?
I was inspired to enter as I felt the topic allowed me to explore and reflect on my time as an FY1 in haematology. It gave me an opportunity to research a novel therapy that is constantly evolving and developing.

What is the name of your foundation training programme?
I am just coming to the end of my FY2 year in Cardiff. 

What do you hope to do in the future?
I hope to pursue a career in haematology. I am excited to start a new role as a haematology clinical fellow in the coming weeks. 

What do you like about pathology?
I find the combination of laboratory diagnostics and clinical medicine fascinating. Pathology is often a less visible aspect of medicine but forms an essential part of clinical care in many specialities. 

What would you say to students who are considering entering the competition?
Entering this competition is a great way to develop your understanding in an area of pathology that you are interested in!