The IMI Awards are a standout moment in our annual calendar, attracting more than 300 entries across a range of categories. This page highlights the different kinds of awards on offer and provides key information about the categories and judging criteria.
Entries are assessed against the following criteria, which may be adapted to suit individual award categories:
Bronze
This award is given to a photographic, graphic or video entry that demonstrates an excellent application of technique and an understanding of the requirements of the brief. Bronze award winners receive a certificate.
Silver
This award is given to a photographic, graphic or video entry that shows an outstanding application of technique and an excellent understanding of the requirements of the brief, without the depth of interpretation required to attain a Gold award. Silver award winners receive a certificate.
Gold
This award is given to a photographic, graphic or video entry that in the opinion of the judges, clearly and unanimously, demonstrates exceptional use of technique, understanding and interpretation of the subject in the illustration and fulfilment of the brief. All Gold awards winners will receive a certificate and £200.
Platinum
This award is given to the entry nominated ‘Best in Show by’ the Chair and is chosen from the Gold Award winners. The Platinum Award does not have to be awarded. The Platinum winner will receive a certificate and £200.
Peter Kilshaw Student Award
This award is given in memory of Peter Kilshaw and is open to all IMI students studying on a recognised course. All student photographic, graphic or video entries will also be eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum awards.
Gabriel Donald Graphics Award
This award is given to the best art/graphics entry that shows innovation and extra creativity in the approach to the subject that lifts it above the rest of the entries, where it might not be technically the best but is still worthy of special merit. All entries are eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum awards.
John Corney Video Award
This award is given in memory of John Corney for the video entry that shows innovation and extra creativity in the approach to the subject that lifts it above the rest of the entries, where it might not be technically the best but is still worthy of special merit. All entries will be eligible for Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum awards.
IMI Award for Affiliated Organisations
This award recognises excellence in visual communication within the healthcare sector, specifically in the fields of design, photography, and video. It serves to highlight exemplary work produced by members of our affiliated organisations and to promote best practices across disciplines. The recipient of this award will be granted a one-year Affiliate membership with the Institute of Medical Illustrators, along with a £100 cash prize. Eligible submissions are welcomed from members of:
• Medical Artists’ Association
• Association of Medical Illustrators
• Ophthalmic Imaging Association
• BioCommunications Association
• British Association of Retinal Screeners
• Australian Institute of Medical and Biological Illustration
• Association Européenne des Illustrateurs Médicaux et Scientifiques
Wellcome Trust Photographic Award
This award is given to a photographic or ophthalmic entry that shows a new perspective on science and health, and that combines striking visual impact with a clear story behind the image. It is chosen and sponsored by the Wellcome Photography Prize, which tells thought-provoking visual stories about health, life and wellbeing. The winner of this prize will receive a certificate and £200.
Sony Portrait Award
This award celebrates the power of portraiture in the healthcare setting. It recognises the most compelling photographic portrait of a patient or healthcare professional that captures the human experience within a medical environment. Whether documenting resilience, compassion, or the quiet strength of everyday life in healthcare, this award honours both the technical skill and emotional depth of the image. The Sony Portrait Award is sponsored by Sony and highlights excellence in storytelling through portrait photography. The winner will be selected by Sony representatives and will receive a Sony camera worth over £1,000.