About the competition

The Royal College of Physicians are pleased to be holding an on-site poster competition for ACTs as part of the CT and ACT national conference taking place on Friday 13 November 2026.

The competition aims to showcase local quality improvement (QI), service development, or educational projects delivered whilst in role as an ACT.

Prizes:
  • Winner: £200 + in-person medicine 2027 ticket
  • Runner up: in-person medicine 2027 ticket
Competition categories
We invite submissions outlining QI, service development work or educational projects in which you have played an active role in improving practice.

Quality improvement (QI) focuses on systematically enhancing patient care, safety, and outcomes by refining existing healthcare processes. Using structured approaches such as the Plan–Do–Study–Act (PDSA) cycle, QI projects identify gaps in practice, implement targeted changes, and measure their impact over time.

We welcome submissions describing data-driven initiatives that improve educational delivery, clinical efficiency, or patient experience. Projects should demonstrate how practical, iterative changes can lead to meaningful and sustainable improvements in healthcare.

How to apply
Once you're ready to submit your abstract please revisit this form. You'll need the title of your proposed poster, a 300 word abstract, the details of the college tutor who is in support of your application (this should be agreed before submission) and details of any co-authors (if relevant).

Your abstract should clearly describe:
  • the problem or gap identified
  • the aim of the project
  • the intervention(s) implemented
  • the results and impact
  • your specific role and contribution
  • key learning points and future recommendations.

Eligibility
ACTs from 2025 and 2026 cohorts are eligible to apply. ACTs who have recently stood down (in the last 9 months) are welcome to apply.

There is no limit to the number of entries per person. Joint submissions from multiple ACTs within a trust are welcome, but please be aware only one ACT can present per topic and prizes would be allocated to the lead ACT only. If shortlisted for presentation at the event, the lead author and any ACT co-authors will receive a certificate of recognition for their portfolios.

Shortlisting
Lead ACT authors of the shortlisted abstracts will be invited to develop a poster for presentation at the in-person CT and ACT national conference on Friday 13 November 2026. Posters will be displayed on digital screens. Please ensure you are able to attend the conference in person before submitting your application.

Closing date for applications: Monday 6 July 2026 at midnight.
Privacy notice

The RCP will use the data collected on this form to administer the ACT competition at the National CT & ACT Conference on 13 November 2026. This includes using the email address provided to send information and instructions. In order to administer the competition, the information collected on this form will be shared with the RCP team and the selection panel only. Personal data will be anonymised before being sent to the selection panel for shortlisting. For more information on how the RCP manages privacy, see the RCP Privacy Statement.

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