| Entry deadline | 13th March 2026 |
| Extended entry deadline: | 20th March 2026, additional fee applies |
| Judging days | 5th, 6th and 22nd May 2026 |
| Awards Ceremony | 2nd July 2026 |
Welcome to the Communiqué Awards
Over the past two years, we have celebrated the qualities that define the very best of healthcare communications. In 2024, we recognised bold thinking and brave ideas. In 2025, we focused on work that delivered measurable impact and meaningful change. Across both years, one theme has stood out. This industry is driven by people who care deeply about improving understanding, changing behaviours and advancing health outcomes for the communities they serve.
The quality of work recognised in 2025 showed that innovation is at its most powerful when it is purposeful. The best work made the complex accessible and tackled stigma, inequity and misunderstanding. It demonstrated that impact is about more than outputs. It requires clear definitions, rigorous measurement and a willingness to be transparent about what worked and what did not. These achievements reflect a sector that continues to evolve, challenge assumptions and focus on the value it delivers to patients, healthcare professionals and the wider public.
This progress gives us confidence as we look ahead to our final year stewarding these Awards. Healthcare continues to change rapidly, shaped by scientific advances, digital transformation, global pressures and rising expectations of transparency and equity. These shifts present new challenges but also remarkable opportunities for communication to shape understanding, trust and decision-making.
Our theme for 2026 is Future.
It reflects a sector adapting to rapid change and embracing new possibilities. This year, we invite you to show how your work is shaping what comes next, whether through responsible innovation, deeper insight, new ways of thinking or the ability to anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s audiences. We want to celebrate work that demonstrates confidence in the future of healthcare communications and its role in improving outcomes for patients, professionals, and communities.
To support this future focus, we have strengthened and expanded the Awards. We have retired, updated and refined several categories to reflect the sophistication of modern practice and introduced new awards that recognise emerging disciplines across science, creativity and digital capability.
What’s new for 2026
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Excellence in Congress Activation: Reflects the growing importance of congresses as integrated scientific touchpoints. This category celebrates programmes designed to amplify scientific exchange before, during and after the congress moment, strengthening engagement and long-term value.
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Excellence in Behaviour Change: Recognises the increasing use of behavioural science in healthcare communications. This award celebrates programmes that go beyond awareness to deliver measurable behaviour change, grounded in evidence, ethical practice and real-world need.
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Excellence in the Application of Artificial Intelligence: Acknowledges the responsible and transparent use of AI across insight, scientific communication and experience design. This category celebrates work where AI meaningfully enhances understanding, accessibility or efficiency while maintaining clear human oversight.
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Excellence in the Use of Data and Insights (was Excellence Data Communications): Refocused to emphasise the translation of robust data and insight into strategic clarity. This award recognises programmes where evidence meaningfully shaped decisions and strengthened outcomes across the entire communication journey.
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Excellence in Combined Customer Experience (was Excellence in Earned/ Owned/ Paid): Updated to reflect the increasing importance of seamless, insight-driven interaction across multiple touchpoints. This category celebrates work that delivers coherent, personalised, value-led stakeholder experiences, designed to remove friction and strengthen trust.
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Excellence in Engagement Through Digital Channel(s) (was Excellence in Engagement Through Social Media). Refined to celebrate the impact of focused, channel-led digital engagement. This category recognises programmes that demonstrate creativity, clarity and smart optimisation within a digital environment. We have retained two budget categories to reflect work delivered primarily through one digital channel; and work where budget allowed for a more comprehensive approach.
What inspires us most is the talent across this community. From early-career entrants to experienced specialists, we see people raising standards each year. Their work is diverse and ambitious, with a growing emphasis on clarity, accessibility and responsible innovation.
This year, we are particularly pleased to introduce a new individual award, Healthcare Communications Writer of the Year, celebrating the unique contribution writers make to understanding, connection and progress across the sector. It is this collective expertise and imagination that gives us confidence about what lies ahead.
It is a privilege to celebrate this work. We look forward to seeing how your entries this year continue to shape the future of healthcare communications and the future of the industry we are proud to serve.
Communiqué Awards Co-Chairs: Catherine Devaney, Founder, Curious Health and Neil Flash, Owner, Ignition Consulting
Open for entries
Awards Ceremony
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