MPWB and AAPM launch virtual access awards for medical physicists in LMICs

A collaborative initiative between Medical Physics for World Benefit (MPWB) and the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) has culminated in the establishment of the MPWB/AAPM Awards for Virtual Access to the AAPM 2025 Annual Meeting. This initiative is tailored to facilitate broader access to scientific, professional, and educational resources for medical physicists and early career researchers (ECRs) based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

The awards will grant selected recipients complimentary registration to the On-Demand content of the AAPM 2025 Annual Meeting, which is scheduled to begin on July 27, 2025. Awardees will benefit from recordings of each session being accessible within 24 hours of the live presentations. These recordings will remain available for one year, allowing for flexible viewing and continued learning opportunities.

Two distinct categories have been established for the awards:

1. MPWB Access Awards: This category targets clinical medical physicists from LMICs who have accumulated a minimum of two years of hospital experience. The aim is to enhance the professional development of these healthcare practitioners who play a crucial role in patient care.

2. ECR Access Awards: This award is aimed at early career researchers in LMICs, specifically those who are within five years of completing their terminal degrees and are currently engaged in research activities. The initiative seeks to support budding researchers in cultivating their skills and expertise in the field.

Applications for the awards can be submitted using the dedicated application form. The deadline for submissions is set for June 6, 2025. Interested candidates are encouraged to address any inquiries they may have to MPWB via email at [email protected] or to the GECRSC at [email protected], using the subject line: "MPWB/AAPM 2025 Access Awards Application."

The initiative reflects a significant commitment to inclusive education and professional development in the field of medical physics, particularly for individuals working in resource-constrained environments. By fostering greater accessibility to key resources and fostering a supportive community for medical physicists and researchers, the MPWB and AAPM aim to enhance the capacity of professionals in LMICs.

This collaborative effort underscores the importance of global engagement in advancing the field of medical physics and ensuring that professionals have the opportunities they need to succeed, regardless of their geographical location. The partnership between MPWB and AAPM exemplifies a move towards a more equitable distribution of knowledge and resources within the scientific community, highlighting the value placed on the contributions of diverse regions to the advancement of medical physics worldwide.

Organisations working within the sector are encouraged to share this information to promote greater awareness of the opportunities available. The commitment to supporting medical physicists and researchers through initiatives like these not only aids individual careers but also contributes to the advancement of healthcare practices and standards globally.