The Independent is proud to announce that Rebecca Thomas, Health Editor at The Independent, has won Health Journalist of the Year at The Press Awards 2026.

The award recognises Rebecca’s outstanding health reporting and impactful journalism covering some of the most important public health stories of the past year. The judges commented: “Rebecca’s work demonstrates what every journalist hopes to achieve: exposing wrongdoing, standing up for the most vulnerable in society to affect real-life impact and lasting change. It’s investigative reporting at its best.”

Reacting to her win, Rebecca said: “It’s a huge honour to win, thank you so much to those who trusted the Indy to tell their stories and the editors that helped bring the stories to life.”

The Independent was also recognised in other categories on Thursday night, with Chief International Correspondent Bel Trew shortlisted for Foreign Reporter of the Year and Global Travel Editor Annabel Grossman nominated for Travel Journalist of the Year.

The publication’s Brick by Brick campaign, which raised funds to build two houses for women fleeing domestic abuse, was also shortlisted for Campaign of the Year.

The Press Awards ceremony took place in London on the evening of Thursday 21 May, celebrating excellence across the UK news industry. Congratulations to all the winners.