Congratulations to the winners of this year’s RCPath Science Communication Prize, Isha Harris and Dr Rebecca Shaw.

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

There are 2 categories: Trainee; and Undergraduate, which is open to undergraduates and foundation doctors. Isha Harris, a student at the University of Cambridge, has won the Undergraduate prize for her involvement with the Students Against Pseudoscience (CUSAP) movement. Dr Rebecca Shaw is the winner of the Trainee category, for her work focusing on thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

This year there were a record number of entries in both categories. Entries were judged by Professor Angharad Davies, RCPath Clinical Director of Publishing and Engagement, and Dr Noha El Sakka, RCPath Vice President for Communications.

Isha and Rebecca will each 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. Sonic Healthcare UK is proud to support the RCPath Science Communication Prize, and has done so since 2022.

The 2026 RCPath Science Communication Prize will open in Spring 2026; details will be posted on our website.

Interview with Isha Harris, winner of the Undergraduate category

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.

Interview with Dr Rebecca Shaw, winner of the Trainee category

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.

 

Thank you to all those who entered our 2025 Science Communication Prize and thank you to our sponsors, Sonic Healthcare UK.