We’re delighted to announce the winners of the IPS Impact Awards 2026, celebrating the individuals, teams and volunteers making an outstanding contribution to infection prevention and control (IPC).
Our refreshed awards programme recognises excellence across the profession, from innovative projects and quality improvement initiatives to research, leadership, teamwork and volunteering.
The awards also recognise achievements at different stages of an IPC career, as well as work in innovation and technology, research, quality improvement and collaborative practice.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners
IPC Practitioner of the Year – Michael Mark Dalauidao
Michael Mark Dalauidao was recognised for his outstanding dedication, leadership and passion for infection prevention and control, as well as his commitment to quality, innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Team of the Year – UK Public Health Rapid Support Team Infection Prevention and Control
The UK Public Health Rapid Support Team Infection Prevention and Control received the award for its work to strengthen infection prevention and control capacity in Somalia through the development of standard operating procedures, curricula and a national action plan.
Rising Star, Early Career – Ben Degay
Ben Degay was recognised for the impact, leadership potential, innovation and influence he has demonstrated at an early stage of his infection prevention and control career.
Innovation and Technology in IPC – Infection Control Team at Madina Health Cluster
The Infection Control Team at Madina Health Cluster received the award for its initiative, Early Outbreak Detection and Rapid Response for Healthcare-Associated Outbreak Reduction.
The award recognises the use of innovation, digital tools, technology, data or new processes to deliver improvements in infection prevention, patient safety, operational efficiency or staff practice.
Exceptional Contribution to Research or Quality Improvement – Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust received the award for its initiative, Interrupting CPE Transmission in Critical Care through a Multidisciplinary Water-Lite Strategy.
The award recognises an exceptional contribution to infection prevention and control through research or quality improvement.
IPS President Kerry Holden said: “The IPS Impact Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the people and teams who are making a real difference to infection prevention and control. Their commitment, expertise and willingness to innovate and work collaboratively are helping to improve practice and protect patients and communities.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and everyone who was nominated. The breadth and quality of the work being recognised demonstrates the positive impact our profession is having every day. It is important that we celebrate these achievements and share the learning and ideas that can help move infection prevention and control forward.”
We’d like to congratulate all of our winners and everyone who was nominated for this year’s awards.
The IPS Impact Awards give us an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our profession, recognise the people making a difference every day and share examples of excellent practice across infection prevention and control.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate a colleague, team or project and help us celebrate the work taking place across our community.
