Courtesy of Adam Pattison Rathbone
Adam Pattison Rathbone has received the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS) 2025 Barnett Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the pharmacy profession.
Announcing the award on 9 September 2025, the RPS said that Rathbone, a clinical academic at Newcastle University, has “dedicated over 15 years to developing pharmacy education and supporting the profession”.
Among his achievements, the RPS pointed out that Rathbone has helped create the role of ward medicines assistant, which has been widely adopted in NHS trusts.
“He was also instrumental in developing the Great North Pharmacy Research and Great North Pharmacy Careers Conferences,” it added.
Rathbone was noted for mentoring other pharmacists through the RPS, the International Pharmaceutical Federation and the academic sector, while also supporting colleagues through credentialing and career development.
The RPS added: “[Rathbone’s] leadership, inclusiveness and dedication to others’ growth have made a lasting impact on the profession.”
The Barnett Award was established in 2023 in memory of Nina Barnett, an RPS Fellow, and honours those who have dedicated their careers to supporting, mentoring and advancing others in pharmacy.
Rathbone commented: “It is a real honour to have been nominated for this award. Nina was an amazing inspiration to many pharmacists, including me. I hope I can continue to support others and help as many people as she did throughout her career.
“Thank you to those who nominated me and to all the mentees, mentors and colleagues I’ve been able to work with. It is only the support that I have received myself, from many different people, that has allowed me to go on to help and support others the way I do, so thank you.”
Claire Anderson, president of the RPS, said: “We’re delighted to present this award to Adam. His leadership in education, research and mentorship has a profound impact on colleagues across the profession.
“The Barnett Award celebrates those who dedicate their time to supporting and advancing others, and Adam exemplifies that commitment.”
Rathbone will be formally presented with the award at the 2025 RPS Annual Conference on 7 November 2025.
