Impact Awards > Exceptional Contribution to Research and/or Quality Improvement

Exceptional Contribution to Research and/or Quality Improvement

Celebrating research and quality improvement that advances IPC practice.

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The IPS Exceptional Contribution to Research and/or Quality Improvement Award recognises individuals and teams who have developed and implemented outstanding infection prevention and control research or quality improvement initiatives.

This award celebrates work that has generated meaningful learning, strengthened practice and delivered positive outcomes for patients, service users and healthcare teams.

What is this award for?

Research and quality improvement play a vital role in advancing infection prevention practice. This award recognises projects that have addressed IPC challenges through evidence-based approaches and translated learning into meaningful improvements.

Judges are looking for work that has improved outcomes, influenced practice and inspired others to embrace a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

Who can apply?

This award is open to individuals and teams involved in infection prevention and control research and/or quality improvement activity. Nominations close 10 August 2026.

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What are the judges looking for?

Collaboration and vision

Successful applications will demonstrate:

Working across disciplines, services, systems or organisations.
Implementing research or quality improvement to address IPC challenges and improve patient safety.
Sharing findings to improve knowledge and understanding among colleagues, patients and the public.

Measurable impact

Applications should provide evidence of improved outcomes, such as:

Reduced healthcare-associated infections.
Improved compliance with IPC practice.
Increased knowledge and awareness.
Improved patient and public safety.
Better patient and staff experience.

Judges will also consider:

Successful grant funding awards.
Publication of research or quality improvement findings.
Evidence that the work has informed IPC practice.

Innovation and improvement

Applicants should demonstrate:

New approaches to addressing IPC challenges.
Innovation in research or quality improvement methodology.
Adaptability, resilience and flexibility in delivering projects to completion.

Influencing and inspiring others

Strong applications will show how the individual or team has:

Demonstrated excellence in research and quality improvement practice.
Shared findings to inform and improve IPC practice.
Supported colleagues undertaking similar evidence-based work.
Contributed to a culture of safety, learning and continuous improvement.

IPS values

Alongside the award-specific criteria, judges will consider how nominations reflect the values at the heart of IPS and our commitment to supporting the infection prevention community. This includes evidence of how nominees:

Support and empower the workforce to deliver safe, high-quality care.
Improve evidence-based IPC practice, surveillance and outcomes.
Engage diverse communities and promote equitable access and inclusion.
Create impact through leadership, education, collaboration and policy influence.

Read the IPS Impact Awards 2026 Criteria

What evidence can I include?

Supporting evidence may include:

Personal statements, reports, case studies or published work.
Testimonials or references from managers, peers, service users or community members.
Data demonstrating measurable impact, including surveys, audits and before-and-after results.
Videos or audio recordings (up to five minutes each).
Portfolios, photographs, infographics, posters, presentations or project materials.
Evidence of community engagement, partnerships, events or social media activity.
Publications, conference abstracts and grant funding information.

How to apply or nominate

Complete the application form and provide evidence demonstrating how your research or quality improvement work meets the criteria and has contributed to advancing IPC practice.