With the June 10 deadline for the 2026 Medical Journalists’ Association Awards fast approaching, health and medical journalists across the UK are busy selecting the work they are most proud of from the past year.
The awards remain one of the biggest opportunities in the sector to gain recognition from peers and senior editors, with cash prizes and prestigious trophies awarded across 16 categories.
But what separates a strong entry from a winning one?
Jill Palmer, MJA executive committee member, says successful entries do more than simply showcase good journalism.
“The strongest submissions help judges understand not only what was published or broadcast, but why it mattered.
“Great journalism often involves persistence, creativity and difficult editorial decisions behind the scenes, and our judges want to hear that story too.”
She adds: “One common mistake is entering excellent work into the wrong category.
“Think carefully about who the piece was designed for and what the judges in that category will prioritise — whether that’s originality, accessibility, investigation or impact.”
So here are our top five tips for perfecting your entry:
- Make sure your work was published or broadcast between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026.
- Carefully consider which category a piece of work best fits into by reading our guidelines.
- Be aware that judges are not only assessing the finished piece itself. Supporting information can make a major difference.
- Think about impact and originality when choosing which work to enter.
- Proofread your entry. Don’t lose out because of a sloppy mistake!
Remember non-members pay £75 per entry, while MJA members can enter for free. With annual membership costing £55, joining the association can quickly pay for itself while also providing wider professional benefits and networking opportunities.
Ready to enter? Click here for the entry form, category guidance, and full rules of entry.
