We thank the College members nominating individuals for this award. Below are the winners' citations as provided by the nominators.
Professor Bob Phillips
In 2001, Bob started the Archimedes section in Archives of Disease in Childhood (ADC), the official journal of RCPCH. For a research-light specialty like paediatrics, Archimedes has been transformative, answering clinical questions using available evidence and inviting dialogue. Over 20 years, more than 400 clinical questions have been tackled. Bob has maintained and enhanced this section, supported by hundreds of members volunteering to write articles. There is now a regular podcast with thousands of listeners monthly, and has launched many trainees' research careers.
Bob is a Professor of Paediatrics and Evidence Synthesis at the University of York and Hull/York Medical School, and an Honorary Consultant in Paediatric/Teenage-Young Adult Oncology at Leeds Children's Hospital. He is also the Director of Candlelighters Supportive Care Research Centre, focusing on supportive care for children with cancer, individual participant data meta-analysis, and developing skills in clinical research appraisal and translation. Bob embodies the best values of members, being kind, hardworking, and forever optimistic.
Professor George du Toit
Professor du Toit's research on food allergy prevention and treatment has gained global recognition, steering bold new approaches. The LEAP study, honoured with the David Sackett International Clinical Trial of the Year Award (2015), led to guidelines recommending early peanut introduction for infants, potentially preventing thousands of peanut allergy cases worldwide.
Professor du Toit and colleagues conducted long-term follow-up studies on the LEAP and EAT cohorts, impacting weaning and dietary advice for young children. He has been involved in groundbreaking studies treating food allergies, leading to licensed products and serving as the UK Principal Investigator for peanut patch trials.
He has represented British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) and European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) internationally, receiving prestigious awards for his contributions. At the Evelina Children’s Hospital, he established the largest paediatric allergy service in the UK. As a mentor, he has guided numerous doctors and contributed significantly to allergy research and education in South Africa. His inclusive, positive approach has benefited children and families, and his leadership has thrived in multidisciplinary teams.