Academy for Healthcare Science

19/10/2026

Are you a Healthcare Scientist with an idea that could improve healthcare?

Applications for Cohort 11 of the NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme (CEP) opened from 8am on 19th October 2026.

Whether you work in laboratory sciences, physiological sciences, medical physics and clinical engineering, bioinformatics, genomics or another healthcare science specialism, CEP provides access to CPD-accredited learning, expert mentoring, networking opportunities and a supportive community of innovators.

Healthcare Scientists are uniquely placed to identify opportunities for improvement through their day-to-day work across diagnostics, research, technology and patient services. The programme is designed to help participants develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to take their ideas further while continuing their NHS careers.

Key dates
📅 Applications open: 19th October 2026, 8am
📅 Applications close: 20th November 2026, 4pm
📅 Programme starts: March 2027

For further information and to apply, visit www.nhscep.com/apply-now. Prospective applicants can also catch up on our CEP Prep webinars to learn more about the programme and access guidance around the application process.

www.nhscep.com

16/10/2026

Latest news from AHCS 🔎

Keep up to date with the latest healthcare science news, opportunities and events through the AHCS website.

🔗 Read the latest news via the link in our bio.

29/09/2026

❗️EXCITING OPPORTUNITY❗️

The Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS) is seeking a Non-Executive Director to join its Board and chair the Finance, Audit & People Committee. We are particularly interested in candidates with senior experience in finance, organisational performance, governance, marketing and communications, and people and organisational development.

This is an important governance role for an individual who can provide independent challenge, strategic insight and experienced committee leadership as AHCS strengthens its impact across healthcare science, education, regulation and workforce development.

📆 Closing Date: 23rd October 2026

🔗 Full role information and how to apply - view the pinned post on our News & Events page

https://ahcs.ac.uk/2026/09/29/exciting-opportunity-non-executive-director-chair-of-the-finance-audit-people-committee/

10/09/2026

AHCS are pleased to share that the STP Equivalence Applicant Guidance document is now available on our website. This guidance has been designed to improve accessibility, clarity and ease of navigation for applicants and will apply to applications submitted from 14th September 2026.

Read the full guidance via the Equivalence Guidance page. 🌐

Further information is available via the pinned statement on our news page.
🔗 Link in bio.

01/09/2026

The Academy for Healthcare Science is introducing an updated STP Equivalence Applicant Guidance Document, which will support the launch of a new digitalised application process.

To facilitate the transition, new STP Equivalence applications will be temporarily paused from 1st September 2026 and will reopen on 14th September 2026.

The refreshed guidance, which will apply to applications submitted from 14th September 2026, has been reviewed to improve accessibility, clarity and ease of navigation, helping applicants more easily understand the requirements of the STP Equivalence process while ensuring that the information remains comprehensive and user-friendly.

❓️ What this means for current applicants ❓️

For applicants who have already started STP Equivalence applications, there will be no changes to your current application. The process will continue to operate exactly as it does today, with no impact on existing applicants.

Read the full update on the pinned news post on our News & Events page. Link in bio

01/09/2026

In response to this announcement, AHCS has shared the following statement:

While it is disappointing that Healthcare science is not included within the first tranche of this work, the Academy for Healthcare Science appreciate that this profession will be considered in the next phase.

AHCS will be keen to support and contribute to this work on behalf of the profession, and to ensure equitable treatment of all students in healthcare professions.

Healthcare scientists are integral to the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Encouraging and supporting sufficient numbers of people to enter and remain within the profession is essential to meeting the future needs of patients and the wider healthcare system.

Thousands of nursing, midwifery and allied health professional students will no longer have to pay for their travel and accommodation upfront when they are sent on training placements around the country.

Eligible students can now claim advance payments to cover those costs, easing pressure on their budgets while they are still in training.

Read more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/upfront-help-cuts-placement-costs-for-healthcare-students

17/07/2026

The Academy for Healthcare Science wish to extend heartfelt thanks to longstanding AHCS Lay Assessor, Yvonne MacKenzie, as she steps from her role.

Over many years, Yvonne has made an exceptional contribution to the Academy, serving as a Lay Assessor and providing invaluable support as Lay Chair for STP Equivalence interviews and on Fitness to Practise panels. Her professionalism, insight and unwavering commitment to ensuring fairness and integrity have been greatly valued by colleagues, applicants and panel members alike.

In recognition of her outstanding dedication to Equivalence and patient advocacy, Yvonne has received two AHCS Chair’s Awards for Excellence, in 2024 and 2026, a testament to the significant impact she has made across the Academy’s work.

On behalf of everyone at AHCS, we thank Yvonne for her years of service, and wish her every success and happiness in the future.

01/07/2026

Today marks the completion of Professor Hopkins' first year as President of the Academy for Healthcare Science.

In an article published on the AHCS website, Professor Hopkins reflects on the past year and what lies ahead.

“It’s hard to believe how quickly the year has passed. Serving as President has been both a privilege and a humbling experience, providing a unique opportunity to work alongside extraordinary people from every corner of the healthcare science profession and across all four nations of the UK."

Read Chris' full reflection on the AHCS News & Events page, link in bio 🔗

01/07/2026

The Academy is pleased to have been awarded the NHS England contract to continue delivering support for the ePortfolio (supported) route on behalf of the Centre for Advancing Practice, following a competitive tender process. This will be the Academy’s third contract with Health Education England/NHS England.

Professor Janet Monkman OBE, Chief Executive and Registrar, said:

"We welcome the opportunity to continue working with the Centre for Advancing Practice in supporting and recognising advanced practitioners who are an important part of the healthcare workforce.”

26/06/2026

The Advancing Healthcare Awards UK 2026, held on Friday 19th June 2026, brought together Healthcare Scientists, Allied Health Professionals and those who work alongside them to shine a light on their vital contributions to patient care, service development, and the future of the NHS.

The AHCS is proud to have sponsored the “Most Inspiring Leader” category. This award was presented to Professor Catherine Ross, Chief Scientific Officer for Scottish Government, whose contribution to healthcare science leadership has had a profound and lasting impact.

On receiving the award, Professor Ross reflected:

“Receiving the AHCS Award for the most inspiring leader is incredibly meaningful and something I was genuinely surprised by. I am especially grateful to the person who took the time to nominate me, their support, generosity and belief in what I do means more than I can express.

For me, leadership has always been about creating opportunities for others to succeed, championing people and professions, and bringing individuals together around a shared purpose to deliver meaningful change. This recognition reflects the many colleagues and teams I have had the privilege to work alongside throughout my career, and strengthens my commitment to continuing to support healthcare science and inspire future leaders.”

The Academy for Healthcare Science congratulates Professor Catherine Ross and all nominees and winners at the Advancing Healthcare Awards UK 2026. Their achievements serve as a powerful inspiration and a reminder of the critical role healthcare science professionals play in improving patient care across the UK.

To see all the winners and photos from the event visit the AHAwards page below 👇️
https://ahawards.co.uk/uk/

To read the full article, visit our News & Events page, link in bio 🔗

Photo credits: John Behets Photography