Nomination process
- Those eligible for the awards may self-nominate or be nominated by someone who is familiar with their work.
- Nomination forms must be completed and submitted through the online application form used for all awards by 5pm on Wednesday 16 September 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
- All shortlisted finalist entries will receive two complimentary ticket invitations to attend the Award Ceremony. Additional tickets may be requested, subject to availability, after the finalist shortlist is announced in October 2026.
- Candidates who are unsuccessful this year may be nominated, or self-nominate, in subsequent years. Previous unsuccessful applicants are asked not to reapply unless their project has made substantial progress or changed significantly.
- All nominees may be asked to contribute to award organisers’ or partners’ websites and other materials relating to the activities nominated for an award.
Judging criteria
All awards will recognise a strong commitment to research-informed innovation.
- We expect to recognise NHS, local authority, academic, partner, third-party and third-sector staff representatives at all levels of seniority.
- The judging process will consider the reach and significance of innovation, collaboration, engagement and evaluation within innovation and research activities.
- Judging for each category will take place within the host organisations against the criteria set out on the How to Enter page, with final sign-off by the two Directors of the host organisations, ARC NWC and Health Innovation North West Coast.
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Using new technology to make care "real time"
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Transforming a front-line service to enable or elevate personalised care
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Moving hospital services to the community
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Partnership with Industry to bring innovation into practice
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An approach to preventing sickness
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Increasing research capacity of the NHS/Local Authority workforce
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Using data to deliver real impact
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Robotics / AI to optimise patient care
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Addressing local, regional and/or national health and social care priorities
To be shortlisted all submissions must demonstrate how inclusivity in practice has been at the heart of their proposal with clear collaboration approaches outlined.
In addition, judges will be looking for:
- Clear, evidence-based benefits for an organisation, researcher or team, stakeholders or target audience.
- Meaningful engagement with stakeholders throughout the research cycle.
- A reflective approach by the researcher or team.
- Practical ideas based on an unconventional approach across both health and community economies.
- Fresh thinking, ideas, research or innovation that bring a genuinely unique perspective.