Our refreshed IPS Impact Awards 2026 are now open for nominations and applications across six award categories.
The awards celebrate the individuals, teams and volunteers who are making an outstanding contribution to infection prevention and control. From innovative projects and quality improvement initiatives to inspiring leadership and dedicated volunteering, the awards recognise those whose work is improving patient safety and advancing IPC practice.
The IPS Impact Awards provide an opportunity to showcase excellence across the profession and celebrate the people making a difference every day in healthcare settings, communities and organisations.
Recognising excellence across IPC
New for 2026, the awards programme features six categories designed to recognise excellence across all stages of an IPC career, as well as innovation, volunteering, research and teamwork.
This year’s award categories are:
- Team of the Year
- IPC Practitioner of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Rising Star (Early Career)
- Innovation and Technology in IPC
- Exceptional Contribution to Research and/or Quality Improvement
Each award has been designed to recognise different aspects of excellence within infection prevention and control, while reflecting our commitment to supporting the workforce, improving practice, engaging communities and creating impact.
Recognising the people behind the progress
Every day, IPC professionals work to reduce the risk of infection, improve patient outcomes and support safer care. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, often without recognition.
The IPS Impact Awards are an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the dedication, innovation and collaboration that drives progress across the profession and celebrate the people whose work is helping to create a world where no person is harmed by a preventable infection.
Applications will be assessed against both the award-specific criteria and the IPS values of:
- Supporting and empowering the workforce to deliver safe, high-quality care.
- Improving evidence-based IPC practice, surveillance and outcomes.
- Engaging diverse communities and promoting equitable access and inclusion.
- Creating impact through leadership, education, collaboration and policy influence.
How to apply
Full details of each award category, including eligibility criteria, judging criteria and application guidance, can be found on the individual award webpages.
We look forward to celebrating the outstanding achievements, innovation and leadership that continue to strengthen infection prevention and control and improve outcomes for patients, service users and the public.
Submit your nomination today and help us recognise the people making an impact across our profession.
Applications and nominations open: 24 June 2026
Submission deadline: 10 August 2026
