Dr Andrew Couch Memorial Award
NSW trainees and new fellows have until 21 April to submit abstracts for the Dr Andrew Couch Memorial Award for original research.
The NSW Anaesthesia Continuing Education (ACE) Committee is holding the NSW Dr Andrew Couch Memorial Award (previously known as the NSW Registrar Scientific Session Award), to be presented at the 2026 NSW ACE Winter Meeting on Saturday 20 June 2026.
We’re seeking abstracts for original research related to anaesthesia from residents, registrars, provisional fellows and FANZCAs within one year of admission to fellowship at the date of the meeting. The guidelines for these abstracts are below. A panel of judges will select participants to give an oral presentation on the day. The recipient of the award will receive a prize of $600.
Submit your abstract by Monday 21 April.
Submission guidelines
1. Eligibility: Eligibility for the prize is limited to residents, registrars, provisional fellows and fellows within one year of admission to fellowship of ANZCA at the date of the meeting.
2. Abstract format: Please keep abstracts to less than 500 words, and no more than two tables/figures. A suggested abstract format includes: (a) introduction, (b) methods, (c) results, (d) conclusions, and (e) a limited number of references.
3. Authors: In addition to the abstract, include a list of any other authors/contributors, and your/their respective responsibilities.
4. Acknowledgement of receipt: Upon submission, you will receive confirmation by email. Please contact Anna Henty at the NSW office if you don’t receive this email.
5. Review and selection: A panel of judges will peer-review abstracts. Selection will be based upon originality and interest, clinical and research content, relevance to anaesthesia, and state of completeness.
6. Notification of acceptance: We will notify you by the end of May if your abstract has been accepted.
7. Mode of presentation: All presentations will be oral presentations of approximately 5-8 minutes, depending on the number of presentations chosen. A projector will be available on the day. Presentations will be between 2–2.45pm on Saturday 20 June 2026 at the Hilton Hotel Sydney.
8. Selection of prize winner: The prize will be awarded to the candidate who is deemed to have produced the best abstract and oral presentation. A panel of judges, appointed by the NSW ACE Committee or its delegate, will judge the candidates against the following criteria: originality, scientific merit, structure, clinical relevance, timeliness and clarity of presentation, and ability to answer questions relevant to their presentation.
9. Presentation of prize: The prize will consist of a monetary prize of $600, a certificate and an Dr Andrew Couch Memorial Award medal recognising the award.
