Courtesy of Catherine Duggan
Catherine Duggan, chief executive of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), has received the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s (RPS’s) Charter Award.
Announcing the news on 7 April 2026, a statement from the RPS said: “Catherine… is being honoured for her outstanding leadership, global impact and unwavering commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession worldwide.”
The RPS Charter Award, established in 1963, is given to individuals for their work “for the Society and the wider profession” in promoting the interests of pharmacy at an outstanding level.
Prior to taking up the role of FIP’s chief executive in 2018, Duggan held several roles within the RPS, including director of professional development and support, and interim director for England.
The RPS said that Duggan has provided “visionary leadership across a global network of 160 member organisations and allied institutions, representing 5.5 million pharmacy professionals worldwide”.
“She has strengthened partnerships with key bodies including the World Health Organization and UNESCO and been a strong advocate for improving access to safe, effective and high-quality pharmaceutical care.”
The Society also noted her achievements in “modernising governance” for FIP, and launching FIPWiSE to support women in pharmaceutical sciences and education, and that her “global impact includes advancing pharmacists’ roles in vaccination, self-care and patient facing services”.
“Since 2020, the number of countries enabling pharmacy-based vaccination has grown from 34 to 56 under her leadership, improving access to immunisation worldwide,” the RPS said.
Paul Bennett, chief executive of the RPS, commented: “Catherine Duggan has made an extraordinary contribution to pharmacy over more than two decades. Her visionary leadership, dedication to advancing global practice and ability to bring people and professions together have had an enduring impact both in the UK and internationally.
“She is an inspiring ambassador for our profession and is truly deserving of the RPS Charter Award.”
Duggan said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this award and regard this as a huge recognition of work I have always been proud and privileged to do for my profession.
“I am delighted to join the many others who have received this award for exceptional and sustained contribution to pharmacy. Receiving the RPS Charter Award during this year of transition for the RPS to a royal college represents such a culmination of shared endeavour and vision of so many of us in the recent decades. Thank you so much.”
Duggan will receive the award at the RPS Annual General Meeting 2026 on 7 April 2026.
