The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition at the University of Aberdeen has received the 2026 ASME Institutional 'Commitment to Scholarship' Award from the Association for the Study of Medical Education (ASME).
The only medical school in Scotland to receive the award, judges praised the School’s ‘outstanding and sustained commitment’ to scholarship in health professionals’ education.
ASME’s Institutional Awards celebrate organisations that ‘demonstrate excellence in advancing educational scholarship and foster environments where innovation, research and collaboration can thrive.’
ASME’s recognition was welcomed by Professor David Blackbourn, who said: “To receive this award from ASME is an exceptional honour for our medical school. ASME is one of the most respected organisations in the field of medical education, known for championing excellence, innovation and evidence‑based practice across the UK and beyond.
“To be the only medical school in Scotland recognised with this award by such a distinguished body is profoundly meaningful. It validates the commitment our staff and students bring to improving medical education and reinforces that the approaches we are developing here in Aberdeen are contributing to national conversations about best practice.
“This award is a powerful affirmation of our values, our direction, and the impact we strive to make on future healthcare professionals and the communities they will serve.”
In their feedback, ASME assessors highlighted the School’s strong culture of scholarship, collaborative ethos and strategic vision: “An impressive body of work is presented, with a clear strategic approach evident from the three themes.
“The submission presents a credible picture of institutional commitment to health professions education, with particular strengths in dissemination activity, sustainability initiatives, and the strategic role of the Centre for Healthcare Education Research and Innovation (CHERI) in building a culture of educational scholarship. There is a clear breadth of activity, collaborative structures, and opportunities provided for staff and learners, alongside several innovative initiatives.”
As part of the award, the School will receive a trophy to be formally presented during ASME 2026.