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Novice Writer Award

In memory of David Pidduck

The Novice Writer Award was launched in 2004 in memory of David Pidduck, who served as the editor of the AfPP Newsletter from 2002 – 2004. David encouraged many novice writers to submit articles for the Newsletter and the Journal of Perioperative Practice.

Sole writers who had their first article published in the Journal of Perioperative Practice (OnlineFirst or published issue) between January and December are automatically entered for this award by AfPP.

All articles must be the original work of the author. Former board/trustee members or staff members of AfPP will not be entered for the award. Authors must also be a resident of the United Kingdom.

The winner is selected by the Journal’s Editorial Board and will be given an all expenses paid place (excluding travel expenses) at the AfPP Annual National Conference to receive their award, together with a certificate, a book voucher (courtesy of Sage Publishing), and a copy of AfPP’s Standards and Recommendations for Safe Perioperative Practice.

Eligibility Criteria

  • The author has not previously published as a lead or sole author in a peer‑reviewed journal.
  • Co‑authorship is permitted, but the novice writer must be the primary contributor as they are the only author eligible for the award.
  • Novice writers of a paper with co-authorship must tick the relevant question at the submission stage to denote that they are eligible for entry.

Quality Criteria

  • Uses language accessible to a multidisciplinary perioperative audience.
  • Shows evidence of critical thinking.
  • Demonstrates awareness of current evidence, guidelines, or debates in the field.
  • Shows intellectual curiosity and willingness to challenge assumptions or explore emerging issues.
  • Potential to influence perioperative practice, workforce development, safety, or patient experience.

If you are considering writing an article for the Journal of Perioperative practice, or you would like to discuss how to submit an article please contact

01423 882929 or email editorial@afpp.org.uk.