Welcome to the Royal College of Pharmacy
We’ve changed. You may know us as the Royal Pharmaceutical Society — on 15 April 2026, we became the Royal College of Pharmacy.
We are the Royal College of Pharmacy, the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. We exist to advance the safe and effective use of medicines, drive excellence in patient care and support pharmacists to deliver the highest standards of practice.
As the third largest workforce in healthcare, pharmacy plays a vital role in the health system, and as experts in medicines, pharmacists and their teams are central to patient care and public health. Our mission is to put pharmacy at the forefront of patient care, advancing the safe and effective use of medicines to the benefit of patients and the public.
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News
The latest news and updates from Royal College of Pharmacy
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Professor David Jones receives RPS Hanbury Medal 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is proud to announce that Professor David Jones, Professor of Pharmaceutical and Biomaterial Engineering at Queen’s University Belfast, has been awarded the 2025 Hanbury Medal, in recognition for his outstanding scientific contributions to pharmaceutical sciences, education and innovation. Professor Jones is a leading expert in pharmaceutical engineering and biomaterials. Over his career, he has developed new ways to deliver medicines more effectively and safely — including drug-releasing implants, eye treatments for sight-threatening diseases and coatings for medical devices that help prevent infections. His work has resulted in over 70 commercialised products and devices that have improved the lives of patients around the world. He also co-founded two successful companies, Xiomateria and Re-Vana Therapeutics, which are bringing these products to market. Professor Jones is the only pharmacist to have been elected to three national academies — the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Royal Irish Academy — a testament to his reputation across scientific disciplines. A passionate educator and mentor, he has redesigned pharmacy education programmes, supervised nearly 50 PhD students and authored widely used textbooks in pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical statistics. He has also served as Editor of the Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology since 2000. In response to receiving the Hanbury Medal, Professor Jones, said: “I am both stunned and delighted to have been awarded the 2025 Hanbury Medal. Previous winners of this award have been both giants in and leaders of pharmacy and pharmaceutical research, and they have inspired me at various stages in my career. For me to join this list of winners is truly humbling. It is a great honour to have been recognised for my contributions to pharmaceutical research and education, as well as to my profession, pharmacy, to which I owe so much. I would like to sincerely thank all my work colleagues and students (both past and present), as well as my family, who have been with me throughout this journey.” Paul Bennett, RPS Chief Executive Officer, said: “The Hanbury Medal remains an important award of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society in recognition of excellence in pharmaceutical science. Recipients of this prestigious award have been recognised for their pioneering work and reflects the importance that the Society places on pharmaceutical science and research, disciplines which underpin the profession of pharmacy and without which advancements in medicines and patient care would not occur. “Many congratulations to Professor Jones who joins an eminent list of past recipients going back to 1881 and whose passion for research and innovation and his pioneering work will be an inspiration to so many pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists.” Amira Guirguis, Chair of the RPS Science and Research Committee, and Hanbury Medal panellist, said: "It was a privilege to judge the awarding of the 2025 Hanbury Medal, and Professor David Jones is a worthy winner. His pioneering research in pharmaceutical engineering and biomaterials has had a profound impact on both patient care and scientific advancement. From developing innovative drug delivery systems to mentoring the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists, Professor Jones exemplifies the values of excellence and innovation that the Hanbury Medal celebrates. “We also extend our gratitude to the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences for nominating Professor Jones, whose work continues to inspire innovation, elevate the importance of science and research, and drive excellence among pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacists." Click here for more information on the RPS Hanbury Medal Read more RCPharm news stories
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Prescription charge in England frozen for 2025
This news story was published when the organisation was the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Commenting on the government's announcement today that the cost of the prescription charge and pre-payment certificates in England have been frozen for 2025/2026, Chair of RPS England Tase Oputu said: “This is a welcome pause in the otherwise relentless rise of the prescription charge for patients. No-one should face a financial barrier to get the medicines they need to stay well. “Pharmacists tell us they regularly see patients going without essential, life-saving medicines because they can’t afford all the items they’ve been prescribed. “When patients can’t afford their medicines, their health suffers, leading to more GP appointments, an increased risk of hospital admissions and added pressure on the NHS. Today’s news rightly recognises the key role that medicines play in helping people stay health and shifting care closer to home. “Millions of pounds are spent each year policing a complex prescription charges system that puts avoidable strain on patients and pharmacy teams alike. I hope the Government can build on today’s announcement, listen to the concerns of patients and health professionals, and bring about an end to unaffordable prescription charges in England.” The prescription charge will remain at £9.90 per item; a 3-month prescription prepayment certificate will be frozen at £32.05 and a 12-month certificate will remain at £114.50.
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RPS members vote in favour of change and royal college
RPS is delighted to announce that members have voted in favour by way of a Special Resolution Vote (SRV), in support of proposed changes to the RPS’ Royal Charter and our transition to royal college.