The Medical Journalists’ Association Awards are a celebration of excellence — and as our shortlists of 2024 finalists reveal, there is much to celebrate. We salute the hundreds of talented health and medical journalists who entered, and gave our judging panels such a difficult job.
Congratulations to all our finalists. To get this far, against such tough competition, is already a win.
Winners will be announced at the MJA Awards Ceremony, September 11, 2024 at the News Building (17th Floor), 1 London Bridge St, London SE1 9GF. All finalists, members, judges and sponsors are invited to celebrate but booking your place is essential. View the ceremony invite and book your place.
One of these finalists will also collect our Outstanding Contribution Award, for the best of the best, which is decided by a majority vote of our full panel of independent judges. No members of the Executive Committee are involved in the judging. To ensure that EC members are not disadvantaged by serving on the committee, they permitted to enter. However, those who do so are not involved in any Awards’ decisions.
NB: Links are provided to finalists work where they submitted their entry as a link, for those submitting by file (generally because work is behind a paywall) permission is being sought for accessible links and/or to link to a file
Student Journalist of the Year
Entrants were studying at a Higher Education institution in the UK or had been studying at the time the work entered was first published or broadcast
Tharanika Ahillan
NCTJ fast-track Multimedia Journalism Diploma, News Associates [Journalism School]
Pulse: GP training applications outstrip available places by thousands, data reveal
Really impressive ‘exclusive’ that had good data to support the narrative which was well presented for its target audience. It contained relevant quotes to support key themes, that continued developing until the end of the article. It will also have wider impact on NHS / policy making
Tessa Gooding
Kingston University NCTJ-accredited Journalism Postgraduate Diploma
Kingston Courier website: Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis: I have 72-year-old bones
A really compelling read, well written with good, fluent storytelling and well-researched depth, which kept you captivated. An excellent combination of personal narrative and deeper consideration of wider issues of osteoporosis in pregnancy.
Nonyelum Okonkwo
Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) Keele University
Chemist + Druggist: Empowering pharmacy: Leading the charge against antimicrobial resistance
Comprehensive look at recent developments in official policy to reduce inappropriate use of antimicrobials, and the role of pharmacists within this. Raises importance of AMR which has wider impact.
The Gordon McVie Award for reporting cancer research — supported by Roche
Andrew Gregory
The Guardian: Exclusive: Lung cancer diagnoses of UK women to outnumber men’s for first time
An important story that needed to be told. Lung cancer in women overtaking incidence in men is a huge issue so Gregory’s story, with its clear good use of stats, an excellent patient story to explain a new test and treatment, was a great read. Public service journalism at its best.
Matthew Hill
BBC Radio 4: The Screening Dilemma
Hill covers the important topic of cancer screening and its role in early diagnosis of cancers. He went in-depth into the risks of rolling out screening programmes before they have been evaluated. The judges particularly liked the inclusion of the role of public health in cancer prevention rather than just relying on screening and treatment. A good listen.
Alice Klein
New Scientist: Bugging Cancer
We loved this, the combination of historical elements, the latest research in the field and a patient story. The topic was something new to judges and well-handled. Klein made what could have been heavy science into an accessible, interesting and engaging story.
Sarah Neville, Amy Borrett
Financial Times: The unexplained rise of cancer among millennials
Neville pitched this news feature well for the FT’s audience and interests. She skilfully expands her theme from one individual to the rise in cancer among younger people and possible links to an economic downturn. Excellent use of stats, graphics and expert commentary.
Ben Spencer
The Sunday Times: Cancer survivors to hit 5 million. Now to sort the side-effects
The judges were pleased to see a story focusing on survivorship and the long-term effects of cancer treatments – a very real issue as more people survive cancer. Spencer’s story gives this issue a high profile that we believe Prof McVie would applaud, reflecting on the progress that has been made in the last 20 years.
Newcomer of the Year
36 months or fewer in health/medical journalism
Tessa Gooding
Metro.co.uk: Being pregnant broke my back and left me disabled but midwives told me my pain was normal
This was a dramatic story showing real failures in patient care and serious harm.
Michael Searles
The Telegraph: Royal Mail’s cuts pose risk to patient safety, warn NHS chiefs
This story took a fresh angle on how the NHS still relies on the postal service to contact patients and how a change or reduction in the service might impact on this reliance. Michael’s story was strong enough to be a front-page lead on a national newspaper.
Emily Townsend
Health Service Journal: Over 30 sepsis deaths linked to ‘systemic’ failings, investigation reveals
Emily’s piece shone a much-needed spotlight on ongoing and worrying failures by the healthcare system to recognise and treat sepsis, leading to a number of avoidable deaths. Her article was backed up by rigorous analysis of coroners’ reports, trust data, case studies and quotes from key experts.
Mental Health Story of the Year — supported by Edelman
Carolyn Atkinson
Woman’s Hour, BBC Radio 4: Dying for Treatment: ‘What do I do now? Just die?’
This piece made waves across the mental health space. The deft handling of this disturbing issue not only gave space for people to tell their stories openly but did so in a compelling and powerful way. And tapped into broader questions around capacity and consent and professional responsibility in the mental health system.
David Cox
The Guardian: ‘They thought they were doing good but it made people worse’: why mental health apps are under scrutiny
With capacity in the mental health sector so stretched and people turning to new sources of advice and support, it’s important to ask what safeguards are in place and do these companies have patients’ best interests at heart? A timely and important piece of journalism.
Hannah Fearn
The Lead: “I might be next”: 98% rise in helpline calls from nurses with suicidal thoughts
This thoughtful expose of an underreported issue combines in-depth analysis with sensitive first-person storytelling to examine the important question of the impact of those on the front line of a health service at breaking point. This is outstanding example of how to cover the issue of suicide without over simplification or sensationalism.
Rebecca Thomas, Rob Mulhern, Saywah Mahmood, Mark Thompson, Ashish Joshi
The Independent: Mental health patients ‘raped and sexually assaulted’ as NHS abuse scandal revealed
Investigative journalism at its best. The scale, depth and importance of the investigation deserve to be recognized. This work shone a much-needed light on the treatment of vulnerable women and systemic failures across the mental health system.
Emily Townsend, Zoe Tidman
Health Service Journal: ‘Discrimination’ claim as ‘40 new hospitals’ snubs mental health
An impressive in-depth investigation, which revealed a further strand in the disparities in the way mental and physical health are treated.
The Dr David Delvin Award for sex and sexual health journalism — supported by Christine Webber
Hannah Barnes
New Statesman: The Cass Review into children’s gender care should shame us all / How children’s gender care went so wrong
Accessible, readable, balanced article covering an important and contentious topic. She recognises that this affects a very vulnerable group of people who need understanding, help and support. She highlights that any treatment needs to be evidence based, and where such evidence doesn’t exist, we should take steps to find the evidence to ensure that the patients get the best possible care.
Sally Howard
The BMJ: The abortion trail to England is on rocky ground
This highlights an important and not well understood issue. This article was readable, easy to understand and engaging and covered an important and contentious issue. Women who have late term abortions are often very vulnerable and too often they are failed by a system that is under huge pressure, having to travel large distances to get the care they need.
David Robson
New Scientist: Avoiding spermageddon
A very engaging article which clearly highlights the problem of falling sperm counts, which has been apparent for many years. He sets out where we are, including the lack of understanding of how much falling sperm counts impact fertility. Male factor infertility is often not discussed, and it was good to read a clear, concise article discussing some of the key issues and busting myths.
NEW AWARD: Health and Climate Change Award supported by Haleon
Victoria Macdonald, Gracie Jerome, Josh Ho
Channel 4 News: Climate Injustice: the health impact of climate change on Malawi
Powerful exploration of climate change in Malawi, which contributes just 0.04% to global emissions but is among the global climate index’s top five countries to be impacted
Tulip Mazumdar, Wilfred Thomas, James Anderson, Camilla Horrox
BBC News: India’s Mothers: Bearing the heat
Deeply moving piece which takes research into the correlation between heat and increased risk of miscarriage and stillbirth as the starting point for an exploration of the impact of climate change on pregnant manual labourers in Southern India. It gives a voice to women not often afforded one. Heartfelt and heartbreaking.
Carissa Wong
Nature: Antibiotic resistance is a growing threat — is climate change making it worse?
Interesting academic piece on intersection between antibiotic resistance and climate change. Informative, with the research findings compellingly written in a narrative that carried you through the arguments.
Podcast of the Year
Jason Hosken, Gilead Amit, Alok Jha, Nico Raufast
The Economist: Babbage: How to battle superbugs with viruses
A fascinating story, well told with pace, conveying information few will know. Excellent research.
Andrew Gregory, Michael Safi, Ned Carter Miles, Solomon King
The Guardian: Why does the UK lag behind on cancer care?
Information rich, well-presented and about something that really mattered. Included a proper explanation of the stats.
Smitha Mundasad, Gerry Holt, Holly Squire
(with thanks to Niall McCann)
BBC Radio Four: Inside Health: Bladder, bowels and sex: Learning to live after my mountain accident
A surprisingly uplifting piece about a serious subject. Very accessible.
Feature of the Year (specialist audience) supported by Doctor’s Association UK
Deborah Cohen, Margaret McCartney
Pharmaceutical Journal: Inclisiran: the ‘extremely unusual’ political influence behind the novel drug’s approval
An excellent in-depth investigation involving a great deal of time and effort which must have made uneasy reading for those involved in approving this drug
Sally Howard
A great news and feature piece, wonderfully in-depth investigation.
Michael Le Page
New Scientist: Cut, paste, cure
Very well written and engaging feature examining how genome editing technology, approved for treating sickle cell disease, could revolutionise medicine
Carolyn Wickware
The Pharmaceutical Journal: Uncompassionate use: the inconsistent offering of life-saving unlicensed medicines
An excellent piece of investigative journalism requiring a hugely impressive amount of research, with the patient perspective making it a more emotive read.
Emma Wilkinson
The BMJ: Unreliable private online hormone tests sold for months despite accuracy concerns
An outstanding piece of investigative journalism for the BMJ, which resulted in reaching a much wider audience via the national media.
Feature of the Year (broadcast)
Sharon Barbour
BBC Look North: New hope for Neuroferritinopathy
A unique and shocking portrayal of an unusual condition and a possible cure. Compelling viewing.
Nancy Cole, Hannah McClay, Charlotte Cross
ITV News Central: Midlands Maternity Crisis
A brave departure from the standard news magazine with excellent case studies and a remarkable whistleblower.
Catriona MacPhee, Rachel Coburn, Anton Ferrie, Richard Poet, Liam McDougall, Shelley Jofre
BBC One Scotland: Disclosure: Getting Thin Quick
A fascinating personal ‘lived’ experience leading to some bold investigative reporting, plus an imaginative presentation.
Fergus Walsh, Alison Priestley, Adam Grimley
BBC One, Panorama: Alzheimer’s: A Turning Point?
An engaging, informative, wide-ranging documentary that could bring hope to many.
Feature of the Year (general audience)
Hannah Barnes
New Statesman: The Trauma Ward
A hugely authoritative, well-researched and well-written piece, that combines the journalist’s deeply personal trauma of childbirth with a shocking account of Britain’s failing maternity services, weaving in excellent expert sources and case histories.
Matthew Chapman, Madlen Davies, Asraa Mustufa
The Examination, The Guardian and Africa Uncensored: British American Tobacco undermines Kenyan health laws in bid for Gen Z
A shocking exposé of the pressure tobacco companies put on developing countries to sell their addictive nicotine pouches to a young generation. The article, which examines the science and marketing practices around nicotine pouches, prompted a strong social and political response.
David Cox
The Telegraph: ‘I woke up paralysed, with no speech’: Inside the weight-loss drug black market
A great exposé of fake online weight loss drugs that put people’s lives at risk. There has been so much publicity and excitement about these drugs, but their cost drives people to look for cheaper versions. This article starkly shows the risks.
Margaret McCartney, Deborah Cohen
Unherd: We need to talk about ZOE. How scientific is the must-have health app?
An outstanding contribution to unpicking the claims about health apps, in particular the Zoe app. This well researched feature gives the reader a sharp analysis of Zoe’s claims, with interviews with experts in nutrition, endocrinology and diabetes and highlights problems such as the digital divide between the worried well and those in genuine need of help.
Venetia Menzies
The Sunday Times: Anxiety drug pregabalin killed my son — and hundreds more are dying from it
Venetia delivers a shocking story describing the little-known side effects of the of the anti-anxiety drug, pregabalin, which has the fastest-rising death toll of any drug in the UK. An important drug for epilepsy, it is now widely prescribed for depression and for pain and despite the warnings, prescriptions continue to rise, particularly amongst the poorer populations. This powerful feature demonstrates excellent research.
News Story of the Year (specialist audience) supported by Real Chemistry
Henry Anderson
Health Service Journal: Revealed: The systems with a third of dental budget unspent
A deep dive into underspend of NHS dental budgets, revealing a postcode lottery of access. Detailed analysis based on freedom of information request, bringing important new insight into a long-running health issue.
Nick Bostock
GPonline.com: Qualified GP driving for Uber amid chronic shortage of jobs
We’ve been hearing there’s a shortage of GPs but also a shortage of jobs. A headline grabbing story that exposed the mess and confusion that surrounds national medical workforce planning.
Lawrence Dunhill
Health Service Journal: Revealed: How trust execs resisted concerns over Letby
A powerful story that gets under the skin of the Lucy Letby murder trial. Revealing the internal workings at the NHS trust, it highlights the strained relationship between clinicians and managers and damage that caused.
Elisabeth Mahase
The BMJ: Weight loss surgery: Patients need clearer warnings of risks from overseas care, say doctors
Issues with poorly funded obesity policy are laid bare, with people desperate for treatment heading overseas and the NHS having to pick up the pieces when it goes wrong.
Zoe Tidman
Health Service Journal: Exclusive: NHS still waiting for over £1bn capital funding announced five years ago
Amid stories of over-stretched hospitals across the country falling into disrepair, this excellent investigation reveals that NHS organisations are still waiting for over £1bn of capital funding announced five years ago
News Story of the Year (broadcast) supported by Virgo
Catherine Burns, Alison Benjamin, Elena Bailey, Jonathan Sumberg
BBC Breakfast: Maternity Safety
Impactful and important, conveying the scale of concerns over the safety of maternity services with immediacy and clarity.
James Gallagher, Natalie Truswell, Jonathan Sumberg
BBC News: Female surgeons sexually assaulted while operating
This broadcast highlights an important issue that has been ignored for too long. An original, well-constructed and compelling story that is convincingly delivered.
Sam Holder, Louisa Felton, Rob Turner, Patrick Russell
ITV News: The Teenagers Killed by Fake Prescription Drugs
Really impressive tenacity in pursuing a two-year investigation on a very worrying issue, told with clarity and authority. An outstanding piece of committed original journalism, powerfully presented with strong case studies.
News Story of the Year (general audience) supported by JPA Health
The judges commented on the extremely high standard of entries in this category
Hannah Barnes
New Statesman (online and then print): Inside the collapse of the Tavistock Centre
This well-researched piece brought clarity to an often confused and toxic debate. Hannah’s reporting has shone a light on services at the trust and helped to bring about change.
George Greenwood
The Times: Revealed: KFC thwarting efforts to stop fast-food outlets near schools
Impressive research revealed previously hidden fast-food industry tactics that have been driving obesity amongst children. This story landed when childhood obesity was rising up the political agenda and it was no surprise that other outlets followed up on George’s excellent reporting.
Billy Kenber
The Times: Pro-vaping campaign funded by Big Tobacco
Billy’s detailed research and clear reporting challenged the received wisdom about vapes and exposed harmful industry tactics. His investigation helped to shift the narrative on these products and has contributed to plans for tighter regulation.
Shaun Lintern
The Sunday Times: Revealed: the files that show how Lucy Letby was treated as a victim
The appalling murder of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital was one of the biggest news stories of the year. Through his reporting, Shaun took the story deeper, revealing the management practices that created an environment where these crimes could be committed and posing important questions about the wider culture across the NHS.
Rebecca Thomas
The Independent: Revealed: NHS regulator’s ‘culture of fear’ that leaves rogue nurses free to abuse patients
Rebecca has used her deep knowledge, excellent contacts, and journalistic persistence to highlight an important issue that needs addressing. This piece has directly led to change at the regulator and adds to Rebecca’s reputation as one of the most impactful journalists.
Case Study of the Year
Sharon Barbour
BBC Breakfast: Doctor Donor
A powerful and inspirational case study on many levels. With several twist and turns, this story took the viewer on an emotional journey with a highly impactful twist at the end of the tale. A moving and memorable piece, with a great call to action for donors, which generated a lot of discussion between judges.
Dominic Hughes, Lucy Watkinson, Niall Gallagher
BBC TV News (Breakfast, 1 O’clock News, 6 O’clock News), BBC Online: Never start vaping, says 12-year-old girl with lung damage
A powerful, shocking case study on one of this decade’s biggest health issues. This entry created a strong emotional reaction in the audience in a way that places itself at the heart of the ongoing debate in this area. If we are considering impact this particular case study was most likely to drive awareness, behavioural change and ignite policy discussions. It stuck in the minds of the judges, we knew it instantly, which is a real mark of its power.
Michelle Roberts, Nicki Stiastny, Philip Coldrey
BBC News (TV, radio, online, podcast, social media): Kidney Swap
Destiny’s story is an emotionally moving one which drew important attention to the inequalities of care for ethnic minorities. Liffey, the altruistic donor pair, is indeed a guardian angel!
Ben Spencer
Sunday Times Magazine: Bacteria Busters
Very thorough article with good use of a series of case studies. Simplified the complex science through good use of imagery/ infographics.
Rebecca Thomas, Victoria Macdonald, Gracie Jerome
Joint investigation by the Independent and Channel 4
The Independent & Channel 4 News: Nicholas’s story: ‘I’ve been locked up for 10 years because I’m autistic. Is a chance at life too much to ask?
Nicolas’ story is a devastating and very moving one. Rebecca, Victoria and Gracie have done an excellent job giving Nicolas a voice and the dignity he deserves.
Science Explained
Hannah Barnes, Sean Clare
BBC Newsnight, BBC Two: Children on puberty blockers saw mental health change, new analysis suggests
This entry not only delivers a complex emerging issue to its broad audience but achieves this with a wider insight into the scientific process. It tackled a contentious and sensitive subject with clear focus and balance, and with a convincing narrative.
Max Kozlov
Nature: Human trials of artificial wombs could start soon. Here’s what you need to know
A compelling explanation of an emerging area of research. It didn’t oversell the story, but it didn’t underestimate the audience.
Scarlett McNally
The BMJ: Preventing obesity is different from curing it—and even more urgent
This piece unpicked an issue with persuasive evidence and clear insight. It was pitched well for its audience.
Smitha Mundasad, Elise Wicker, Thomas O’Neill, Joshua Falcon
BBC iPlayer: Incident Room, Measles outbreak: Why now?
A clear explanation of an issue that is important for society as a whole and one where public awareness could have an impact on the course of events.
Tom Whipple
The Times: How Covid made us more stupid: even mild infection ‘lead to fall in IQ’
Clearly elucidated all the different dimensions of a complex issue but leaving the reader in no doubt about the limitations of current knowledge and what we need to know next.
Freelance of the Year
Entrants submitted three pieces of work for judging
Jo Best
For her work published in the BMJ
Below radar stories clearly brought to life for the target audiences. Jo obviously understands the interests of her fellow doctors ranging from “The highs and lows of quitting the NHS for Australia and New Zealand” to “The growing bottlenecks in specialty training”.
David Robson
For his work published in the Observer, New Scientist, and on BBC Future
Well written stories bringing complex and under recognised science including “Is the 100-year-old TB vaccine a new weapon against Alzheimer’s?” to life with thoughtfulness about how to engage with readers.
Rosie Taylor
For her work published in the Sunday Times magazine, the Independent and the Daily Mail
Three deeply researched engaging stories written with conviction and compassion. Rosie investigated issues which disproportionately affect women for three very different outlets ranging from infertility and IVF to menopause.
Ingrid Torjesen
For her work published on bmj.com and in the BMJ(article 1)(article 2)(article 3)
Complicated stories, consistently well told including the background to doctors’ strikes and the exposure of “shocking” levels of sexual assault in the NHS (written jointly with Adele Waters)
Adele Waters
For her work published in Daily Mail and the BMJ (article 1), article 2
Original stories and excellent writing for diverse audiences. The quality of Adele’s writing and research engaged the judges and a major disclosure of the scale of sexual assault in the NHS (written jointly with Ingrid Torjesen) was one of the most important and shocking revelations of the year.
Editor of the Year supported by ABPI
Entrants submitted three pieces of work
Dawn Connelly
Senior Features Editor, The Pharmaceutical Journal
This editor delicately balances the bread-and-butter topics of daily importance to readers’ lives with original, investigative reporting on subjects of wider public importance. They use FOI effectively to find, develop and tell consequential stories of public finance and patient impact. And expertly edit complex stories that have the potential to be dry into fascinating reads – stories told well in spare and clear language, marshalling evidence effectively.
Alison George
Features Editor, New Scientist magazine
This editor has a clear vision of their reader – and how they want to commission. Their editing therefore shows consistency of commissioning and makes their chosen topics accessible to their reader. Their pieces take complex science concepts and explain them in a clear and readable way, bringing together existing evidence to tell stories combining consumer health and science.
Samuel Lovett
Deputy Global Health Editor, Daily Telegraph
This editor demonstrates a deft touch for directing resources on a tough beat to deliver brilliantly executed articles, from an excellent expose to a harrowing first-person account. Their pieces take the reader places few UK publications would go, melding reportage with cutting edge science reporting.
Special Mention
The judges of the Editor of the Year category would like to give a special mention to Jamie Kaffash, for his captivating final print issue of Pulse. The definition of going out with a bang!
Outstanding Contribution to Health and Medical Journalism – supported by AstraZeneca
There are no finalists announced for this, the MJA’s premier award. Judges from each category panel can put their winner forward for the award, which is then decide on a majority of all judges.
Details of awards available to entry in 2024 and rules of entry.
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