QMU leads the way in 2026 National Podiatry Awards
Queen Margaret University (QMU) continues to demonstrate its long-standing leadership in podiatric education and research with a sweeping presence in the 2026 Tomorrow’s Podiatry Awards shortlist.
Bruce Morris, Lecturer in Podiatry at QMU, has achieved a double shortlisting, being recognised in both the Research Student of the Year and Inspirational Podiatrist of the Year categories for his innovative work using dynamometers (used to assess muscle strength, joint function, and rehabilitative progress) within clinical biomechanics (the study of human movement).
Bruce’s work has focused on ankle strength assessment, with particular emphasis on the accuracy of portable dynamometers compared with gold-standard equipment, and on how standardised testing protocols influence a clinician’s ability to accurately monitor patients.
The University has also made a strong showing in the Student of the Year (Pre-registration) category – an award for the most selfless and professional students who ‘shine’ in and out of the classroom. Three extraordinary QMU students have been shortlisted - Vivian Chan, Laura Lowney, and Iona Cameron, who have each demonstrated clinical excellence, academic achievement, and leadership throughout their time at the University.
In addition, the QMU Podiatry Society, led by student Leila Monroy Lopez, has been named a finalist for Society of the Year, having previously won the award in 2019, 2022 and 2025.
These latest nominations build on QMU’s historic success at the awards, including Programme Leader for the BSc (Hons) in Podiatry, Evelyn Weir’s double win as Educator of the Year in 2019 and 2022.
The winners of the 2026 Tomorrow’s Podiatry Awards will be announced on 2 March 2026 at a ceremony held at the Pullman Hotel in Liverpool, coinciding with the eve of The Foot and Ankle Show. The event, which is supported by FireFly Orthotics and The Foot and Ankle Show, will celebrate the brightest stars in the profession. Those unable to attend in person will be able to watch the ceremony live on Facebook.
Tomorrow’s Podiatry is a not-for-profit group dedicated to inspiring, developing, and supporting the next generation of podiatrists. By connecting undergraduate students with professional leaders, the group facilitates networks and skills essential for the future of healthcare.
Key initiatives include "Podiatry in 3 Minutes," where researchers explain complex papers in 180 seconds, and a weekly Facebook Live show featuring industry guests.
The Tomorrow’s Podiatry Awards are the first student-led, podiatry-specific awards. Now in its eighth year, the awards recognise individuals who enrich the student experience as well as students who demonstrate exceptional achievement. Over the past five years, the awards have seen more than 350 nominations and celebrated over 40 winners from universities across the UK and Ireland. Judging panels include experts from academia, industry and the student community.
