Calling the next generation of doctors and pharmacists: Explore how Artificial Intelligence can improve Yellow Card reporting and patient safety.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is delighted to announce the launch of the second patient safety essay writing competition 2026. We are inviting medical and pharmacy students across the United Kingdom to share their insights on how artificial intelligence could improve Yellow Card reporting and support the safe use of AI-enabled medical devices. This competition offers a unique platform for future clinicians to influence national thinking on medicine and medical device safety.

Essay topic

Entrants are asked to submit an essay on the following topic:

"Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to play a transformative role in healthcare over the next 5 years. Using examples, explain how the Yellow Card scheme can enable the identification of risks associated with the adoption of AI as a medical device. Consider practical ways to improve the detection and reporting of AI-related adverse events by patients and healthcare professionals using the Yellow Card scheme. Discuss how improved reporting could support the safe use of AI-enabled medical devices."

Background

The MHRA is committed to ensuring that medicines and medical devices used in the UK are safe and effective. The Yellow Card scheme, the UK’s system for reporting suspected side effects and adverse incidents involving medical devices, is central to this goal. It relies on healthcare professionals, patients and carers to report safety concerns, contributing to ongoing vigilance for medicines and medical devices.

Who can enter?

• Medical and pharmacy students in the United Kingdom.

How to enter

1. Write an essay (maximum 2,000 words, excluding references and title, with up to 20 references in Vancouver style recommended).

2. Use Arial 12 point font.

3. Do not include any personal identifying details within the essay document.

4. Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support preparation of your essay. However, all arguments, examples and statements submitted must be truthful, factually accurate, appropriately referenced and reflect your own analysis. Where plagiarism is identified—including presenting the ideas or work of others, or content generated by artificial intelligence, as your own—the submission may be withdrawn from the competition.

5. Email your completed Word document to med.essay@mhra.gov.uk.

6. Include in your email: your full name, affiliation (medical school or current place of work) and total word count.

7. Deadline for submission: Monday 11 January 2027, 17:00 (GMT).

Prizes

There are separate prizes for medical and pharmacy students:

• 1st Prize: £500 cash and an invitation to present your essay at a national meeting of the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), the independent advisory body on medicine safety, and the Interim Devices Working Group (IDWG). Travel and subsistence expenses will be covered.

• 2nd Prize: £300 cash and a highly commended certificate for your portfolio.

• 3rd Prize: £200 cash and a certificate for your portfolio.

• Six prizes will be awarded in total – three for medical students and three for pharmacy students. Prizes will recognise outstanding academic merit, with the highest-scoring essays awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each category.

Judging criteria

Essays will be evaluated on content, originality, use of evidence and readability. Judges will be looking for a comprehensive understanding of medical-device safety surveillance in the UK, insightful discussion of the adoption of AI as a medical device, and practical suggestions for improving the Yellow Card scheme’s ability to capture AI-related adverse events and enhance signal detection. Outstanding submissions may influence national policy and practice.

Why enter?

This is a rare opportunity for aspiring clinicians to influence the future of patient safety and practices in the UK. By entering, participants can demonstrate their knowledge and creativity, showcase innovative ideas on the integration of AI in medical device safety, and help to shape safer healthcare for generations to come.

Winners will be recognised nationally and awarded prizes that support both academic and professional development. Your voice could make a real difference in how safety is monitored and improved across the country.

Further information

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, dedicated to regulating medicines and medical devices in the UK.

For media enquiries, please contact newscentre@mhra.gov.uk or call 020 3080 7651.