Nominations for the 2025 Simon Newell Award closed on 9 December 2024 and the winner will be announced in March 2025. The next round of applications will open in September 2025.
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Since 1999, Sparks (now part of the GOSH Charity family) has funded an annual award that recognises excellence in the field of paediatric research. Sparks joined GOSH Charity in 2017 and this award is now jointly funded by both charities.
The award is offered to recognise an outstanding young medically qualified researcher in British paediatrics.
The award is named in memory of Dr Simon Newell - a renowned and widely respected neonatologist and paediatrician who had a passion to encourage the next generation of paediatric clinicians and researchers. He made an enormous contribution to neonatal medicine across the UK and was a great advocate for paediatric health.
Simon was connected to Sparks throughout his career, first as a researcher, then a member of the Medical Advisory Committee and later a Trustee. This award has been named in his memory and as recognition of the tremendous work he did.
The award comprises:
- a trophy
- £1000 for the winner
- £1000 to the winner's department to buy equipment and cover other expenses such as consumables connected with their research.
The RCPCH present the winner at the RCPCH Conference and Exhibition each year. The winner is notified ahead of the conference and the RCPCH covers their travel and one-day conference costs.
Award eligibility
To be eligible for the Simon Newell award you need to:
- Be no more than one year prior to receiving your certificate of completion of training (CCT) or three years since receiving your CCT.
- Have a strong interest in and engage in research related to paediatrics.
- Be on the route to achieving research independence.
Application process
The award is currently closed and not taking submissions. We will open applications for the 2026 award in September 2025. If you would like any further information please contact research@rcpch.ac.uk. (Information about the application process and the application form is available below for reference.)
Applicants are required to complete an application form (see downloads), get sign off from a sponsor and submit their CV to the RCPCH Research & Evidence team on research@rcpch.ac.uk. We recommended that applicants include details of their academic experience, any grants or prizes they have been awarded and any scientific publications in your CV.
Previous winners
- 2024 - Dr Maanasa Polubothu
- 2023 - Dr Felicity Fitzgerald
- 2022 - Dr Seilesh Kadambari
- 2021 - Dr Cheryl Battersby
- 2020 - Dr Francesco Saverio Tedesco
- 2019 - Dr Sam Behjati
- 2018 - Dr Karin Straathof
- 2017 - Dr Chris Moxon
- 2016 - Dr Manish Sadarangani
- 2015 - Dr Robert Phillps
- 2014 - Dr Marc Tebruegge
- 2013 - Dr Roderick Mitchell and Dr Anthony Wiskin (jointly awarded)
- 2012 - Dr Matthew Murray
- 2011 - Dr Andrew Prendergast
- 2010 - Dr Don Sharkey
- 2009 - Dr Richard F M Chin
- 2006 - Dr Amanda Drake
- 2005 - Dr Howard Clark
- 2004 - Dr Mark Herbert
- 2003 - Dr Deborah Tweddle
- 2002 - Dr Jugnoo Rahi
- 2001 - Dr Paul Winyard
- 2000 - Dr Richard Gilbertson
- 1999 - Dr Jeremy Hull
Contact
For further information please contact the RCPCH Research & Evidence team on research@rcpch.ac.uk.