The History of Psychiatry SIG Essay Prize

Submissions for the Paradigms of the Past Essay Prize

HoPSIG are proud to announce an essay prize for Spring 2026. 

The  essay topic is ‘Paradigms of the Past’ which might cover, for example, psychiatric diagnoses, treatments, institutions or psychiatry staff. The essay could be academic or reflective. Alternative formats may be considered but please contact the Chair first on ChairHOPSIG@gmail.com.

Submissions are invited from all trainees and career grades who do not possess a CCST or equivalent. Essays from medical  and non-medical  students are also welcome.

First Prize £100

The winner can expect to be asked to present their essay at the HoPSIG online meeting on 20 May 2026 and to also have it published in our Newsletter.

Runners up may also be invited to submit their work to our Newsletter.

Eligibility

Essays should be 1500 – 2000 words (excluding references) or equivalent. More than 10 references is discouraged. 

Winners will be notified by 1 April.

Please send all submissions to chairHOPSIG@gmail.com

All submissions should include names and titles of authors and their current posts, and contact details with statement on relative contributions in the case of multiple authors. The works will be judged anonymously, so details of authorship should be on the first page separate to the main work.

Deadline for submission is 28 February 2026.