Early Career Essay Prize 2023 winner announced

18/09/2023

THE winner of the 2023 IPEM/Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers Early Career Essay Prize has been announced.

Helen Chamberlain won the prize for her essay entitled ‘How will the role of physics in the fight against cancer develop over the next 10 years?’

Helen is an IPEM member who works as a Health Data Analyst for Macmillan Cancer Support. This involves analysis of large, diverse datasets related to patients, staff and UK health systems, enabling the charity to do whatever it takes to support those affected by cancer.

She has done work examining inequalities that impact those living with cancer, as well as supporting national campaigns including the current “What Are We Waiting For?” campaign. She is a member of the National Audit of Metastatic Breast Cancer Audit Advisory Committee.

Future of cancer care

Helen previously trained as a medical physicist in the Northern Training Consortium, and worked as a Clinical Scientist in radiotherapy physics at The Christie, Manchester, specialising in treatment planning and brachytherapy. She is also a Commissioning Editor for SCOPE, the IPEM members’ magazine.

Helen said: ‘I'm absolutely delighted to win the essay prize; thank you so much to both IPEM and WCSIM. I'm fascinated to see how the role of physics does develop in the next 10 years and I remain optimistic about the future of cancer care.’

Dr Robert Farley, IPEM’s President, said: ‘Many congratulations to Helen on her winning essay, which is a fascinating look at potential developments within medical physics in the fight against cancer in the coming decade.’

The award was launched in 2020 and is open to members of both organisations who are in the early stages of their career (typically within 10-15 years of graduation or of commencing their relevant employment).

Livery company

The Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers is one of the modern livery companies of the City of London and a charity which promotes the craft of scientific instrument making and the exchange of ideas and information by members and guests through meetings, visits, lectures and social events.

It provides opportunities for members to encourage and support younger members and engage with schools at careers’ fairs and support STEM days. The Livery encourages young people to participate in scientific instrumentation through grants, prizes, scholarships and apprenticeships. The Livery has relationships with several universities as well as the Armed Forces and the Arkwright Scholarship Scheme.