Trainees planning to apply for specialty training in orthopaedics in the UK and Ireland are invited to submit an original essay or review paper, no longer than 2,000-words, on a subject that is relevant to the contemporary practice or future development of orthopaedic surgery. Priority will be afforded to articles that demonstrate original thought. Each applicant will receive a one-year complimentary online subscription to Bone & Joint 360.

There are up to five awards, each of which will receive the following:

• A prize of £3,000
• A year’s subscription to The Bone & Joint Journal
• Consideration for publication in Bone & Joint 360
• A certificate from The British Editorial Society of Bone & Joint Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I am eligible?

The competition is open to all recent medical graduates in the UK and Ireland with an ambition to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery, including those accepted to commence specialist training after 19 January 2024. There is a limit of one entry per trainee.

How do I submit my paper?

The paper submission process will be open between Monday 6 November 2023 until Friday 19 January 2024. Submit your paper by email to coretraineeprize@boneandjoint.org.uk

Please ensure you include your name, affiliation, email address, and contact telephone number in the body of your email.

What is the format for submitting a paper?

The maximum word count is 2,000 words. There is no preferred format for the text, but references should be formatted using the Vancouver system and will not be included in the word count. Images, graphs and diagrams can also be included (up to a maximum of 10) and embedded in the document, but any accompanying text will be included in the word count. Please ensure the title page clearly shows your contact information, paper title and word count, but no means of author identification should be included in the main text. The submission should be made in both MS Word, and in an editable PDF format.

What is the deadline for submission?

The deadline is Friday 19 January 2024.

When and how will the award winners be informed?

Award winners will be announced on Friday 9 February 2024 and will be contacted directly by email.

Who should I contact for further information?

You can contact us by email at coretraineeprize@boneandjoint.org.uk

Will I receive any comments or a critique of my paper?

Due to the anticipated high number of submissions, we are not able to provide personal feedback or comments.

Can I base my essay on a previously published paper?

The essay should be original and should not have been previously published.

Download this information here.