Introduction by Owen Driskell, Deputy Training Programme Director
So, we are in August now . ‘Summer’s lease hath all too short a date’ was William Shakespeare’s lament at the brevity of summer when pondering whether to ‘compare thee to a summer’s day’. Sometimes it can seem like it is over before it began – those surviving storm Floris might attest to this.
Though apparently short, this summer the School has delivered IACCs, IAPS, the STP Final Year Assessment, STP Interviews and HSST Interviews. The numbers and statistics surrounding these activities are eye-watering. But this has been a healthcare science success, with many of you integral to its achievement. It should be celebrated, so a massive well done and thank you to all those involved! The investment of time into these activities is an investment into the future healthcare science workforce and the services they are, or will be, responsible for.
Looking forward, the Autumn is another busy time with new starters, inductions, candidates aiming for thesis submission deadlines or preparing for professional exams or assessments. Busy times behind us and busy times ahead of us. I hope you are, or have been, able to enjoy the summer in some way. Though brief it isn’t over yet.
Information for trainees
Are you interested in representing the HSST trainee network at the HSST Induction 2025?
We are holding the HSST Induction Day online via Teams on Tuesday 7 October.
As part of the agenda we would like to offer new trainees the opportunity to network with representatives from the HSST trainee network.
As a trainee network representative, you will present the role of the regional networks and be available to answer questions about your trainee network and how new trainees can get involved.
If you are interested in representing the HSST Trainee Network at the HSST Induction 2025 online please contact Sally Clee directly at s.clee@nhs.net.
RCPath Trainees’ Research Medal Awards
The Royal College of Pathologists are pleased to announce that the Trainees’ Research Medal Awards 2025 are now open for submissions.
This represents an opportunity to gain further recognition for research efforts.
The College’s Trainees’ Research Medals are awarded annually for outstanding research work undertaken by pathologists or scientists in training. Medals are awarded for research published in the relevant year (1 July 2024 – 30 June 2025).
The awards are open to all members of the Royal College of Pathologists (including trainees and scientists) employed in a suitable specialty training or appropriate research/academic post during the year the submitted paper was published. The research paper must either have been either published or accepted for publication by a peer-reviewed journal.
Further details regarding the eligibility criteria, the submission process, and the application form are available on the College website (accessed August 2025).
Read more about the Trainees’ Research Medals
Information for trainees and supervisors
Sharing Good Practice webinar series
We are pleased to announce the following Sharing Good Practice webinar. Trainees and supervisors are welcome to attend.
Sharing Good Practice: Practical applications of Generative AI tools in Healthcare Education and Training
Friday 21 November 2025 – 10am to 11:30am
View further details and register for this webinar
Search and browse our catalogue of Sharing Good Practice resources
Are you interested in sharing your practice?
If you or your network have developed practice that you feel could be valuable to share with your peers, please express an interest in sharing your practice via the form linked to below.
Express an interest in sharing your practice
Information for supervisors
HSST Induction 2025
We are holding the Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme Induction Day online via Teams on Tuesday 7 October. Timings and agenda to be confirmed.
Trainees joining the HSST will need to attend this key event as part of their induction to the training programme and will be invited once interviews have been completed and posts filled.
Do you need to attend the HSST Train the Trainer webinar?
If you are new to the role of HSST supervisor, you are expected to attend a train the trainer event which will introduce you to the programme and your responsibilities.
You are welcome to attend this live webinar even if you have received certification for engaging with the recording of the previous one. The details are as follows:
HSST Train the Trainer
Thursday 6 November 2025 – 10am to 3pm
View further details and register for this webinar
Call for Expressions of Interest: National Healthcare Science Clinical Leads
The Academy for Healthcare Science is delighted to invite expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for these four national roles: Healthcare Science Clinical Lead for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
These senior national leadership roles are central to the vision and strategy of the Academy and are supported directly by the President. As agreed by the Professional Bodies Council, the four National Clinical Leads ensure representation from all four nations on the AHCS Professional Bodies Council (PBC) and may deputise for the President as required.
Role overview
The National Healthcare Science Clinical Leads provide country-specific leadership and are responsible for:
- Promoting and implementing the AHCS strategy and policies within their respective countries.
- Representing the collective professional views of the AHCS to government, media, and key stakeholders.
- Championing innovation, equality, and professional development in Healthcare Science.
- Ensuring a four-country perspective is embedded into national and UK-wide work.
- Representing the AHCS at national events, maintaining a professional media presence, and engaging with professional and trainee scientists.
Application process
- Interested candidates should contact william.smith@ahcs.ac.uk to request an application form.
- Completed application forms must be returned to william.smith@ahcs.ac.uk by 22 August 2025, accompanied by a letter of endorsement from the applicant’s professional body. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Applications will be reviewed by the President and PBC to ensure eligibility.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal meeting with the President and AHCS CEO.
- Successful candidates will be notified in writing by 3 October 2025.
How to apply
Find the full details regarding the role specification and how to apply here: Professional Bodies Council – The Academy For Healthcare Science
Role Specification
Please be sure to indicate clearly the nation for which you are applying (England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland).
Missed a previous edition of the HSST Monthly Memo?
You will find previous copies of the HSST Monthly Memo on our website.