Your research deserves its moment.

Are you—or do you know—a Trainee or Fellow who is a citizen or permanent resident of Aotearoa New Zealand whose academic research is making a meaningful impact?

If so, now is the time to submit an abstract for the Louis Barnett Prize 2026, or to encourage a colleague to enter.

Valued at $2500, this prestigious award recognises exceptional research that advances surgical knowledge and improves patient care. 

Established in 1962, the prize honours Sir Louis Barnett CMG—pioneering surgical researcher, RACS founder, and the first surgeon from Aotearoa New Zealand to serve as College president.

Research conducted within or outside Aotearoa New Zealand, within or outside a department of surgery, and before or after beginning surgical training is eligible.

How to apply
Abstracts must follow the guidelines available here.

Submit your abstract to [email protected], including a brief cover email outlining your role in the research.
Note: only one abstract may be submitted per person.

Spotlight on the 2025 recipient
Dr Cameron Wells (pictured) received the 2025 Louis Barnett Prize for his research into postoperative mortality in Aotearoa New Zealand.

His presentation, Failure to Rescue after Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery: a driver of hospital variation, ethnic inequities, and a target for quality improvement in Aotearoa, was selected as the winning entry at the 2025 event.

Key dates
•    Abstract submissions close: Monday 6 April 2026.
•    Finalist presentations: Thursday 2 July 2026, 7pm NZST (virtual standalone event).
•    The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the event.

For full details, visit the Louis Barnett Prize page on the RACS website.