National Pathology Week 2026
Monday 2 November to Sunday 8 November 2026
Pathology explores disease and supports its diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Different specialties examine different kinds of evidence, and the work involves pathologists, scientists and other laboratory colleagues.
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Dates and event details
Monday 2 November to Sunday 8 November 2026. Held dates set by the organiser each year.
| Date status | Date source-confirmed for 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date-check source | Royal College of Pathologists: 2026 |
| Where | United Kingdom |
What is pathology?
Pathology explores disease and supports its diagnosis, prevention and treatment. Different specialties examine different kinds of evidence, and the work involves pathologists, scientists and other laboratory colleagues.
The College’s Discover Pathology resources are a starting point for learning about the field. National Pathology Week gives schools, students and the public a reason to explore those roles beyond familiar television portrayals of laboratory work.
National Pathology Week 2026 takes place from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 November. Organised by the Royal College of Pathologists, it introduces people to the work of pathology teams and their contribution to healthcare.
This year's campaign
The 2026 theme is Welcome to the Lab. The College and the Pathology Alliance have an online programme extending through November, so participation is not limited to the seven calendar days of the week.
Ideas for pathology teams
A short staff conversation, illustrated explanation or approved public talk can make an unfamiliar service easier to understand. Focus on one process or role rather than trying to cover every specialty in a single presentation.
Use fictional examples or material already cleared for public education. Follow your organisation’s permissions for photographs, patient information and workplace access. If planning an event, use the College’s official guidance and resources rather than assuming it will be part of the national programme automatically.
What’s in the 2026 programme?
The College’s current page lists free online sessions, including careers events in forensic pathology on 2 November, veterinary anatomical pathology on 3 November and haematology on 5 November. The wider programme continues later in the month.
Undergraduates, foundation doctors and trainee scientists are among the intended audiences, alongside interested non-specialists. Follow the links on the official programme to check each event’s content, time, booking process and access arrangements. Individual sessions may suit different levels of knowledge.
An activity for schools and students
Choose one specialty from the College’s resources and prepare three questions about its work. A student group could compare what it expected the role to involve with what it learned from a careers session.
- Before a session: check who the event is designed for and agree which questions you want to explore.
- During it: note unfamiliar terms and the different people involved in the work.
- Afterwards: produce a short explanation for another student, with a link to the College’s original resource.
A class does not need a laboratory visit to participate. Use educational resources and authorised events; working laboratories should never be treated as places for unannounced visits.
How does it differ from International Pathology Day?
National Pathology Week is the College’s UK awareness week. Its programme also links to activity around International Pathology Day, a separate occasion later in November. Check the College’s calendar for the relevant event rather than combining the two names or dates.
For the current programme and participation resources, return to the official National Pathology Week page.
