Last year marked a milestone for pathology awareness, as National Pathology Week (NPW) and International Pathology Day (IPD) were held in the same week for the first time. Although historically run as separate events, syncing them allowed for greater impact and collaboration and that continues in 2025.

National Pathology Week

NPW is the UK’s annual celebration of pathology. Organised by the Royal College of Pathologists in partnership with the Pathology Alliance, NPW highlights the essential work pathologists and laboratory scientists do to diagnose and prevent disease. It’s an opportunity to engage the public and raise awareness of the role pathology plays in healthcare every day.
 

What to expect

The theme for 2025 is ‘Pathology Solutions’ a reflection of the advances being made in pathology to improve disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

Parliamentary Event – 4 November

A flagship event titled 'Pathology Solutions' will take place in the Terrace Pavilion at the Palace of Westminster, hosted by Dr Simon Opher MP. This in-person gathering will feature interactive exhibits, keynote speeches, and networking opportunities. The content will align with key themes in the NHS 10-year health plan, focusing on:

• shifting care from hospitals to communities
• embracing technology in healthcare
• preventing disease and addressing root causes of ill health.

Please direct any questions about this event to Demelza Barker.

Student-focused virtual event

A virtual event for sixth form and medical students titled Pathology Solutions: How Tests Help Patients will take place on  Wednesday 5 November from 6:00–8:00pm. Delivered in partnership with the Pathology Alliance, this free event will feature short, engaging talks explaining how pathology tests support prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. You can see the list of Pathology Alliance organisations on the NPW page and watch last year’s joint online event here.

Get involved

The College and Pathology Alliance invite all members to support National Pathology Week by organising local or hospital-based activities — in-person or online. Whether large or small, your contributions help highlight the value of pathology in communities across the UK.

Visit the our resources section for planning tips, event ideas, and free downloadable activity packs. If you’re already planning an event, don’t forget to register it on our website so it can be included in the national programme. You can download National Pathology Week logos and other digital assets from the NPW page.

International Pathology Day

Join us on Wednesday 5 November, for our virtual conference. Where we honour the vital contributions of pathology professionals around the world. This year’s theme, ‘The Global Pathology Workforce’, shines a spotlight on the dedication, collaboration, and expertise of the pathologists and laboratory scientists who form the backbone of healthcare systems globally.

We are especially pleased to welcome Jim Campbell, Director of Health Workforce at the World Health Organization (WHO), who will open the event in a live conversation introduced by Dr Bernie Croal, President of the Royal College of Pathologists, and Professor Peter Johnston, Vice President for Workforce and Corporate Services.

For the sixth consecutive year, this special event is hosted in partnership with the British Society for Haematology (BSH), and we’re proud to welcome Diagnexia as a first-time sponsor.

What to expect

The programme will explore 3 key areas, as listed below, and feature international speakers.

• Addressing global pathology workforce shortages.
• Digital pathology as a scalable solution.
• Harmonising qualifications and training across borders to improve global health equity.

Another highlight of the event will be a roundtable discussion on: ‘The Global Pathology Workforce: Addressing Emerging Challenges and Opportunities Together’. This session will explore:

• the current state of the global workforce and how we got here
• common challenges and solutions across low-, middle- and high-income countries
• how global cooperation can shape a stronger future for pathology.

Panellists will examine differences in workforce supply, training infrastructure, remuneration, and resources. For example, while some low- and middle-income countries may have more trained pathologists, they often lack the infrastructure and support to deliver services effectively. Meanwhile, high-income countries face a declining workforce across specialties despite having more resources. This discussion will highlight how shared solutions can benefit all regions.

Visit our event page to learn more and secure your place.

How you can get involved

Poster competition – sponsored by Diagnexia

This year’s poster competition invites entries on the theme, 'Celebrating the Impact of Pathology', reflecting the global pathology workforce focus. Whether working individually or as a team, participants from any country and any pathology specialty are encouraged to submit, with cash prizes to be won.

Branded resources

These resources will help you show your support and celebrate the day where ever in the world you are. Available now from our 'Get invovled from anywhere in the world page'  the combined National Pathology Week and International Pathology Day e-signature along with other free downloadable assets for example:

• the iconic IPD flags
• Facebook and platform X banners
• website banners

Undergraduate quiz

The NPW and IPD teams are jointly hosting a special online pathology quiz for undergraduates on Wednesday 12 November. Those studying relevant undergraduate courses anywhere in the world will be able to participate. Registration opens in September.

We look forward to welcoming you to our activities throughout NPW and to our virtual conference for IPD. Let’s celebrate and support pathology together.