We are delighted to announce the finalists for the BDA Awards 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony taking place next month.
In addition to celebrating this year’s finalists, we will also be announcing the winners of the General Education Trust (GET) awards and recognising the recipients of the BDA Honours.
Mary Turner Award (Trade Union Representative of the Year)
This award thanks a representative who has demonstrated the qualities of excellence and commitment.
2026 finalists
- Jasmine Carbon
- Alison Carr
Media Spokesperson of the Year
This award recognises a spokesperson who has gone above and beyond in their role, by tackling difficult or high-profile stories or through providing consistent high-quality support.
2026 finalists
- Sammie Gill
- Nichola Ludlam-Raine
- Bini Suresh
Digital Innovation Award
Sponsored by Yakult
The Digital Innovation Award recognises outstanding achievements in integrating technology into dietetic practice.
2026 finalists
- AI-Powered Patient Consultations in Dietetic Practice Based Learning
- The MUST Dashboard- Digital Innovation Delivering Safer Care and Preventing Malnutrition Harm
- Sarcopenic obesity and multimorbidity: establishing a clinically useful assessment and diagnostic tool for lymphoedema patients to enable timely and effective intervention
Outstanding Achiever Award
Sponsored by Nutricia
This award recognises a person who has had a significant impact on the profession throughout their career and has been working in the profession for ten years or more.
2026 finalists
- Beverley Beynon-Cobb
- Dr Alistair Duncan
- Sarah Fuller
- Denise Kennedy
Rising Star Award
This award recognises a rising star who has been in dietetics for ten years or less and has had a significant impact on the profession in the early stages of their careers.
2026 finalists
- Clodagh Ni Chleirigh
- Stephanie Smith
Social Media Influencer
Sponsored by Yakult
This award celebrates an individual or group that has been particularly influential on social media. It could be across a range of social media channels or just one and could be a specific campaign or a range of activities.
2026 finalists
- Laskarina Digkliou
- Sally J Freeman
- Amber Woodhouse
Student Champion
Sponsored by Yakult
This award celebrates a student who has contributed over and above the requirements of their course to promote the dietetic profession.
2026 finalists
- Kato Lambrechts
- Clodagh Lynch
- Victoria Zoboli Chilavert
Volunteer Award
Sponsored by Whitworths
The BDA Volunteer of the Year award recognises an outstanding individual volunteer who has gone above and beyond for the profession and serves as an inspiration for others.
2026 finalists
- Clare Ellison
- Rebeca Romain and Jenny Leyland
- Rebekah Smith
- Karen Thomas
BDA Branch of the Year
Sponsored by Whitworths
The BDA recognises and highlights the fantastic work that volunteers do to promote and develop dietetics in their local area. The award was launched to thank volunteer members for their enthusiasm, commitment and time given to their branch. It is also a great opportunity for branches to celebrate all the fantastic work that they have achieved over the past 12 months.
2026 finalists
- London Branch
- Northern Ireland Branch
BDA Sub-Group of the Year
Sponsored by Whitworths
Introduced in 2024 the Sub-Group of the Year Award recognises the fantastic contribution of the BDA's sub-group communities. This award seeks to recognise member volunteers for their time, effort and support given to sub-group communities and the support provided to their corresponding specialist group.
2026 finalists
- Learning Disabilities Specialist Sub-Group
- Prescribers Specialist Sub-Group
BDA Specialist Group of the Year
Sponsored by Whitworths
The Specialist Group of the Year Award recognises and highlights the immense work that volunteer members give to BDA Specialist Groups in developing and supporting the profession. This award was developed in 2025 and offers three awards under the banner Specialist Group of the Year Award.
Campaigning and influencing
Finalists will be announced at the ceremony
Membership engagement
2026 finalists
- Mental Health Specialist Group
- Obesity Specialist Group
Projects and impact
2026 finalists
- Critical Care Specialist Group
- Industry Specialist Group
Thanks to our sponsors:
We are really looking forward to the 2026 awards and wish everyone the best of luck!
