The Infection Prevention Society (IPS) has opened nominations for its 2026 Honorary Awards, celebrating individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Society and the wider field of infection prevention and control (IPC).
The Honorary Awards recognise excellence across leadership, service, research, and long-term commitment to improving patient safety, highlighting the vital role IPS members play in advancing practice and supporting the Society’s mission: a world where no person is harmed by a preventable infection.
Nominations are now open for the Society’s flagship honours:
- Honorary Membership Award – one of IPS’s highest accolades, granting lifelong membership in recognition of exceptional voluntary contribution to the Society.
- Brendan Moore Award – recognising individuals who have made a significant impact while holding an official role or working closely with IPS.
- Ayliffe Award – recognising individuals who have made a unique and outstanding contribution, usually at a National or International level to the services of Infection Prevention and Control during their career.
Last year’s recipients reflect the breadth and impact of the Honorary awards.
In 2025, Honorary Membership was awarded to Dr Neil Wigglesworth for more than 26 years of service, including senior leadership roles as IPS President, Vice President, and Executive Officer. His contribution has helped shape the direction and growth of the Society over more than two decades.
The Brendan Moore Award was presented to Dr Mark Garvey, recognising his leadership, research, and commitment to advancing infection prevention across healthcare and within IPS. His work has influenced practice nationally and internationally, alongside his long-standing involvement in Society activities.
Alongside the open nominations, IPS members are also invited to nominate individuals for the Ayliffe Award – a lifetime achievement honour recognising exceptional contribution to infection prevention and control over the course of a career.
Named after Professor Graham Ayliffe, a pioneering medical microbiologist whose work helped shape modern infection prevention practices, this award recognises individuals who have made a unique and outstanding contribution, typically at a national or international level.
Nominees for the Ayliffe Award do not need to be IPS members, but must be nominated by an IPS member. As this award is reserved for exceptional circumstances, it is not necessarily presented every year and is awarded at the discretion of the IPS Honours Committee.
IPS is encouraging members to put forward colleagues who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Society or the wider IPC community.
Nominations for the Honorary Membership Award, Brendan Moore Award and Ayliffe Award can be submitted via the IPS website.
All award recipients will be announced at the IPS Annual Conference in September, where the Society will come together to celebrate excellence and recognise those who continue to drive IPC and the Society forward.
