The Hunterian Professorship, named after the pioneering surgeon John Hunter, is one of the most prestigious accolades awarded by the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSE). Established in 1810, it recognises surgeons who have made significant contributions to surgical science through original research or innovation. Recipients are invited to deliver a Hunterian Lecture, an event that reflects the evolution and progress of British surgery.[2]
The Hunterian Professorship was introduced under the terms of the Hunterian Trust, which was established to preserve John Hunter’s anatomical collection. The trust mandated that a course of lectures be delivered annually using specimens from the Hunterian Collection. Over time, the award evolved to emphasize groundbreaking surgical research.[3]
Candidates for the Hunterian Professorship are assessed by an expert committee convened by the RCSE Council. Applications are reviewed based on originality, scientific impact, and contribution to surgical practice. The committee may consult specialist referees in particular fields before making a decision. Only a select number of Professorships are awarded annually, making it one of the most sought-after research honours in surgery.[4]
Lecture Format
The Hunterian Lecture is traditionally delivered at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, but awardees may incorporate their lecture into the programme of an appropriate national or international surgical meeting. The event is chaired by a member of the RCSE Council, and recipients receive a Hunterian Professorship Medal upon completion of their lecture.[5][failed verification]
Appointments are made on the condition that recipients offer the College first-refusal publication rights in the Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.[6]
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