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Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh History of Medicine Award

Applications for 2026 are now closed. Applications will open for the 2027 award in May 2027.

The purpose of this award is to support and develop the study of the history of medicine in Scotland, and to promote the use of the library, archive and heritage object collections held by the College.

This award is funded through the generosity of the Joyce Grainger Charitable Trust, with an additional £500 contributed to the prize money by the late Dr Leo McCarthy.

Award applicants will:

  • Submit an abstract research paper of no more than 1,000 words.
  • If selected as a finalist, present their research in person on Thursday 15 October 2026. This is a public event, to encourage engagement with the history of medicine in Scotland. The presentations will also be recorded and shared online. Our College will cover travel and accommodation costs for all finalists.

The Award

The award winner will receive £1,000.

Downloads

RCPE History of Medicine Award - Guidelines and Application Form (docx)

Download

RCPE History of Medicine Award - Guidelines and Application Form (pdf)

Download

Applying

Eligibility

Applications are open to UK-based researchers in any discipline. Applicants must not be a current employee of the College, although Fellows and Members of the College are welcome to apply.

Deadlines

Applications for 2026 are now closed. Applications will open for the 2027 award in May 2027.

Criteria

Research must be unpublished and must have been undertaken in the last 3 years. Research which has been submitted for publication will be considered, but details should be given of when and where it has been submitted, and if it has been accepted for publication. Abstracts must be based on original research in the field. 

We do not accept any material that has been wholly or partially originated, written or edited by AI.

Applications are not restricted to topics relating to the College or to the history of medicine in Scotland - applications are welcome relating to any aspect of the history of medicine.

The award can only be awarded to an individual once.

Contact

For more information please contact library@rcpe.ac.uk.

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