London Metropolitan University Student Wins the Inaugural APS Bill Dawson Award at PharmSci 2026

29 September 2026

Goda Pyragaite, a Pharmaceutical Science student from London Metropolitan University, has been named the first-ever recipient of the prestigious Bill Dawson Award, presented by the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences (APS) at the PharmSci 2026 Conference in Newcastle. The award recognises the finest MSc or BSc student presentation delivered by a student from an APS accredited institution and celebrates outstanding achievement in pharmaceutical science.

The newly established award was created in honour of Dr Bill Dawson, a founder member of APS whose influence on pharmaceutical science education and professional development has left a lasting legacy. Throughout his career, Dr Dawson served the Academy in several leadership roles, including Chairman, Board Member and Advisory Board Member, and was instrumental in establishing the APS accreditation process that has helped raise standards across pharmaceutical science education.

The award is intended to recognise and promote emerging scientific excellence. By celebrating the highest-quality student presentations from APS-accredited programmes, the award highlights not only exceptional individual achievement but also the quality of education provided by institutions that meet the Academy’s rigorous accreditation standards. It serves as a tribute to Dr Dawson’s longstanding commitment to supporting students and inspiring the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists.

The success further strengthens London Metropolitan University’s growing reputation in pharmaceutical science education. Earlier in 2026, Goda was also recognised by APS through its research project prizes, where she was commended for the depth of her scientific understanding, analytical skills and originality of research.

Commenting on the award, Dr Bhaven Patel of London Metropolitan University said:

“We are immensely proud of Goda’s achievement in receiving the Bill Dawson Award. This prestigious recognition is a testament to her dedication, talent, and commitment to pharmaceutical sciences. We are delighted to see a student from London Metropolitan University receive this honour, which reflects both her individual excellence and the high standard of pharmaceutical science education within the institution. Awards such as this are important in celebrating emerging talent, inspiring future pharmaceutical scientists, and highlighting the value of our discipline. We hope that Goda’s success encourages other students to embrace opportunities for professional and academic development and to strive for excellence in their own careers.”

The award also shines a spotlight on the APS accreditation scheme, which was established to ensure that pharmaceutical science degree programmes provide students with the knowledge, skills and professional experience required for successful careers in the sector. The first APS accredited Pharmaceutical Science course in the UK was awarded to the University of Greenwich in 2018.

APS accredited institutions currently include:

 

  • University of Greenwich (the first accredited programme in 2018)
  • Kingston University
  • Athlone Institute of Technology (now part of the Technological University of the Shannon)
  • London Metropolitan University
  • University of East London
  • University of Surrey
  • University of Leeds