Congratulations to Dr Catarina Veiga, Associate Professor and PI of the Paediatric Radiotherapy and Imaging (PRIma) Group, on being awarded the 2025 IPEM Spiers' Prize for Outreach. The Prize honours IPEM members with an outstanding record of outreach, connecting researchers with the public, such as school children or patients undergoing treatment.
Catarina’s research concentrates on radiotherapy physics and imaging, with a strong focus on improving paediatric cancer treatments. Additionally, Catarina is a passionate advocate for public and patient engagement and involvement (PPIE). She has led and participated in various co-production activities related to her research, including “How can we share research together?” in collaboration with fellow UCL Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering researcher, Dr Adam Szmul, and Dr Lisa Whittaker, Public and Patient Engagement Coordinator at KCL, as part of the CRUK-funded RadNet City of London research centre; a major national and international radiation research hub dedicated to optimising radiotherapy treatments.
The IPEM’s panel commended Catarina for contributions to outreach, patient and public involvement, and co-creation. They praised her leadership in innovative projects that simplify complex radiotherapy research for patients and the wider public and recognised her as a role model for inclusive science communication through collaboration with patients and the public.
I am truly honoured to receive the 2025 IPEM's Spiers' Prize for Outreach; working alongside inspiring people with experience of radiotherapy to raise the visibility of physics and engineering in cancer research has been a highlight of my career. Receiving this award from IPEM is especially meaningful to me, as it recognises the commitment in developing PPIE as a core component of research culture and celebrates the shared effort of everyone involved.”
