The competition, called ‘Diagnose it,’ asks students to carry out a creative project on the work of healthcare scientists with the winning entries receiving one of four laptops and an invite to meet the Chief Scientific Officer in person at her conference in November.

The competition is being launched as part of Healthcare Science Awareness Week which highlights the behind-the-scenes work carried out by scientists in the NHS, with the aim of promoting their careers to school children.

These career options include 45+ specialisms in healthcare science ranging from physics to biology, genetics to bioengineering, chemistry to physiology, which help prevent, diagnose, treat and manage health problems.

Chief Scientific Officer Professor Sue Hill said:

“Healthcare Scientists provide the cutting-edge technology and science that helps to improve healthcare for patients.

“However, the vast majority of patients are not aware of the complex specialist diagnostic services provided by them.

“Diagnose it will encourage schoolchildren to become NHS scientists and play their part in curing the healthcare problems of the future.”

To help with the competition, schools will be able to interview NHS Healthcare Science Ambassadors. The ambassadors are healthcare scientists who volunteer their time and make a huge difference to young people by offering mentoring, careers guidance and work-based placements across the NHS for teachers and students.

A resource pack and promotional material will also be sent to schools to help them with their projects.