Michael Mason Award

Overview

This award is presented every two years and recognises excellence in clinical or scientific research by an early-stage researcher who is developing a body of original work in the field of rheumatology.

The 2026 awards will open for submissions on 20 November.

Background
Richard Michael Mason (1917-1977) was a renowned clinical rheumatologist who established an associated academic professorial unit in rheumatology, and was instrumental in the development of bone and joint research.

He was President of the Heberden Society, President of the British Association of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation and the first President of the re-constituted British League Against Rheumatism from 1973-1977.

Prize
The winner receives:

The Michael Mason trophy
£1,000 prize money
Complimentary registration to Annual Conference
Opportunity to present your work during an Annual Conference plenary session
Research publication in Rheumatology*

*Research will be peer reviewed before publication in the journal is approved

Testimonials

"My research is about understanding why care is suboptimal and developing interventions to improve it for people with osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. I actually applied twice before I got the award and I didn’t think I’d get it. It’s such a fantastic platform to share and promote your research… also for the team that I work with, I think as legitimisation and validation of our research. The application process is relatively straightforward and even if you don't think you're likely to win it, I think absolutely go for it! "

Zoe Paskins, 2024 Michael Mason Award Winner

Rheumatology Consultant and Professor of Rheumatology, Keele University

"This award is an encouragement for me to continue to pursue my research objectives. I advise anyone interested in applying to go for it, you have nothing to lose. "

Prof Pedro Machado, 2023 Michael Mason Award Winner

Professor and Consultant Rheumatologist , University College London (UCL)

Who can apply?

You must be:

- A clinically active consultant or equivalent
- Applications from those at a relatively early stage of their research career are encouraged, and applicants should be within 10 years* of completing a MD or PhD
- A member of BSR
- NB: if you have won an award in the last five years, you will not be eligible to enter this award again until the five-year period has passed
*This excludes period not working in research (e.g. parental leave) and adjusted for applicants who have worked less than full time


How to apply
You must submit: Your full CV - 3-5 published papers on a related subject - An explanation of your contribution to the work - An explanation of how your research contributes to the field


Decision-making process
Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel based on the following criteria: - Scientific merit - Originality of ideas - Quality of written submission - Candidate's own contribution to the work - Candidate’s involvement with BSR

Michael Mason Award

Overview

This award is presented every two years and recognises excellence in clinical or scientific research by an early-stage researcher who is developing a body of original work in the field of rheumatology.

"This award is an encouragement for me to continue to pursue my research objectives. I advise anyone interested in applying to go for it, you have nothing to lose. "

Who can apply?

How to apply

You must submit: Your full CV - 3-5 published papers on a related subject - An explanation of your contribution to the work - An explanation of how your research contributes to the field

Decision-making process

Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel based on the following criteria: - Scientific merit - Originality of ideas - Quality of written submission - Candidate's own contribution to the work - Candidate’s involvement with BSR

You must submit:

Your full CV
- 3-5 published papers on a related subject
- An explanation of your contribution to the work
- An explanation of how your research contributes to the field

Submissions will be reviewed by a judging panel based on the following criteria:

- Scientific merit
- Originality of ideas
- Quality of written submission
- Candidate's own contribution to the work
- Candidate’s involvement with BSR