Digital Health is inviting nominations for an initiative to celebrate the individuals making a difference in digital innovation across health and care.

The Digital Health Impact List 2026 will shine a light on outstanding individuals from across the NHS, private healthcare, and social care who have delivered measurable impact over the past year.

Unlike traditional leadership lists, the initiative focuses on professionals at all levels – recognising those whose work, influence and commitment are improving patient care, empowering staff or shaping the future of health and care delivery.

Announcing the launch, Karl Grundy, managing director at Digital Health, said: “I’m excited to launch our new Impact List celebrating the influential work being done across health and care.

“The list is about recognising genuine impact rather than job titles. It’s a celebration of creativity, collaboration and perseverance across the sector.”

Being included in the Digital Health Impact List offers professional recognition, editorial visibility and networking opportunities. Those featured will be named on the Digital Health website and celebrated at Digital Health Summer Schools 2026 – the premier learning and networking event for digital health leaders.

An independent panel of experts will review all eligible nominations before the final names are confirmed and the list is published in summer 2026.

The judging panel includes:

• Tammy Lovell, editor at Digital Health;
• Karl Grundy, managing director at Digital Health;
• Pritesh Mistry, fellow in digital technologies at the King’s Fund;
• Ruth Holland, director of regions at the Association of Professional Healthcare Analysts;
• Jan Hoogewerf, head of health and care at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT; and
• Nadira Hussain, chief executive at Socitm.

Commenting on the launch, Holland said: “The Digital Health Impact List is a great opportunity to celebrate the people making a difference in healthcare digital data and technology.

“As a judge, I’m really looking forward to helping to promote their successes and lessons learnt so that we can accelerate progress across the UK for the benefit of patients and staff in the NHS.”

Hussain said: “I’m delighted and privileged to participate as a judge on the inaugural launch of the Digital Health Impact List.

“I can’t wait to see all the exciting and top-class submissions across the sector and am looking forward to putting the spotlight on unique and novel initiatives.”

The list will also inform the winners of the coveted Digital Health Awards 2026 across the categories of CIO of the Year, CCIO of the Year, CNIO of the Year and Rising Star.

Entrants will be judged on the difference their work has made, how they have inspired others and their contribution to ensuring equity, accessibility, or diverse representation in digital health.

Tammy Lovell, editor at Digital Health, said: “We’d love to hear your story if you’ve made a difference in the digital health sector or know someone who has.

“Your work could inspire others and help strengthen the community of digital professionals shaping health and care.”

Applications are open until 31 December 2025. Click here to find out more and apply.