MHRA urges side-effect reporting for MedSafetyWeek and launches AI safety essay contest
The UK medicines regulator is asking people to report suspected side effects through its Yellow Card scheme during MedSafetyWeek, which runs 2-8 November 2026. It has also opened a 2026 essay contest on spotting and reporting AI-linked harms in medical devices, now open to pharmacy students as well as medical students. Essays of up to 2,000 words are due by 11 January 2027, and the top prize is £500.
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What does it mean?
If you believe a medicine, vaccine or medical device has caused a problem, you can report it through the Yellow Card scheme, and the MHRA wants people to do this during MedSafetyWeek. Medicine and pharmacy students can also enter an essay contest, with entries due by 11 January 2027 and a top prize of £500.
Who is affected?
Patients, parents, carers and healthcare professionals who may report side effects, plus medical and pharmacy students eligible for the essay contest.
What changes?
Last year the essay contest was open only to medical students. For 2026 it is open to pharmacy students too.