International Pathology Day
The contribution and achievements of pathology and laboratory medicine services that address global health challenges and improve the health outcomes of global communities have been recognised and celebrated by pathology and laboratory medicine institutions worldwide on International Pathology Day each November. For over a decade, the College has marked this occasion every November with a dedicated event.
Pathology in an era of personalised medicine
Wednesday 11 November, 9.45–15.00 approximately (GMT)
Join us at our virtual conference on International Pathology Day as we celebrate the vital contributions of pathology professionals, laboratory scientists and healthcare professionals around the world. This year’s theme, ‘Pathology in an era of personalised medicine’, will explore the evolving role of personalised medicine in a range of pathology specialties.
This special event will be chaired by the President of the Royal College of Pathologists, Dr Bernie Croal. We are also delighted to welcome Dr Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Chair of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Genomics, as our special guest. Dr Tayoun will be in conversation with Professor Sarah Coupland, President-Elect of the College.
The event will feature speakers from around the world and, for the first time, will include a debate chaired by Professor Yousuf Karim, RCPath Country Advisor for Qatar. The debate, titled ‘Personalised medicine is a luxury available only to the global minority’, will explore one of the most pressing issues in modern healthcare.
The virtual conference will focus on the following areas:
- the future trajectory of personalised medicine over the next 5–10 years
- showcasing current developments within pathology in the field of personalised medicine
- global experiences of integrating genomics into healthcare systems to support more equitable, patient-centred care
- enhancing equitable access to genomic knowledge and technologies for global health, especially in resource-poor countries
- impact on training and education in an era of personalised medicine.
Live virtual debate
Personalised medicine is a luxury available only to the global minority
Is personalised medicine transforming global healthcare – or widening the gap?
Join us for a lively and thought-provoking debate on the proposition: ‘Personalised medicine is a luxury available only to the global minority’. Two teams of leading experts will present opposing viewpoints, exploring the realities, challenges and potential inequities that shape access to precision medicine across both developing and developed countries.
Bringing imaginative and forward-looking perspectives, this session promises to challenge assumptions and spark discussion. Following the debate, audience members will be invited to cast their vote for the team they believe presented the most compelling case.
You can also look forward to:
- a lunchtime talk on College work relevant to the conference theme
- a themed poster competition
- access to International Pathology Day branded digital assets.
International Pathology Day poster competition
Poster competition – Conquering superbugs: innovations in combating antimicrobial resistance
Poster competition – Conquering superbugs: innovations in combating antimicrobial resistance
We invite you to showcase your lab work, whether individually or as a team, from around the world and highlight your innovative research across various pathology specialties.
You can draw inspiration from this year’s International Pathology Day (IPD) overarching theme ‘The rise of global antimicrobial resistance (AMR)’ or spotlight any pathology-related work you are especially proud of.
Posters can be submitted to international@rcpath.org until midnight Wednesday 23 October (BST). All posters will be displayed digitally on the College website, and winners will be announced at the International Pathology Day conference on Wednesday 6 November.
Prizes
- First prize: £150 and publication of your poster in the College's Bulletin magazine.
- Second prize: £50 and featuring of your poster in our post-event blog, celebrating International Pathology Day 2024.
- Third prize: complimentary tickets to attend the virtual conference for International Pathology Day 2025.
Terms and conditions
The full terms and conditions, which explain in detail what you need to consider and demonstrate in your entry, are available further down the page. Please take the time to read them carefully. Below are some key points to note:
- there can be more than 1 author of the poster that is submitted, but 1 person must be nominated as the main point of contact and to take receipt of the prize and manage communications related to the submission
- only 1 submission per author(s) is allowed
- posters should be created using the branded templates, which can be accessed below
- each entry should be accompanied by the following information:
- the corresponding author(s) name(s), email address(es) and contact phone numbers. However, if it is a submission of work created by multiple authors, one person must be nominated to be the main point of contact and to take receipt of the prize should the entry win.
- the title of the poster
- a 2–3-minute selfie-style video describing:
a) what work is described in the poster
b) what was special about this work
c) how did the findings influence future practice
d) why you undertook this work
Branded IPD digital poster template
Portrait
Landscape
Get involved anywhere in the world
Get involved from anywhere in the world
Are you keen to know how you can support International Pathology Day? Whether you are an individual, group of friends, work mates, a team or an organisation there are many ways to get involved. Take our ideas and branded virtual resources and make them your own to bring alive the spirit of pathology.
1. Show you are a supporter of International Pathology Day
Our range of freely avaliable resources can be used on social media platforms, websites and other communication channels and include:
- the main IPD logo (the iconic flag)
- the Celebrating IPD flag
- Facebook banners
- social media quote cards.
2. Support International Pathology Day with stories and photographs
Tell us why global pathology matters. International Pathology Day is about championing and celebrating the work of pathologists and laboratory medicine professionals all around the world. On the day connect with us on social media and tell us why you are supporting International Pathology Day! Post your views and stories on platform X (formerly Twitter) or Facebook. Examples of what has been posted in previous years can be seen below. You may also find inspiration by going back in time and reading our blog – Celebrating International Pathology Day 2023.
3. Organise your own event or activity
Interested in organising your own International Pathology Day event, but do not know where to begin? Running your own event is easy and it can be as small or as big as you want!
Event planning guides
Our event planning guides contain a wealth of tips and templates that can be easily customised to suit your needs. The guides cover topics such as promoting your event, engaging and recognising volunteers, dealing with the media and how to evaluate your activity or obtain feedback after your event has taken place.