Nominate a member to give our 2027 Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture
Do you know an inspiring OT who is shaping the future of the profession?
We’re looking for visionary RCOT members who challenge the status quo, make a real impact for the people they work with and inspire others through their expertise and communication. Put their name forward to deliver our Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture 2027.
What is the Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecture?
The lecture is a memorial to Dr Elizabeth Casson (1881-1954) in honour of her contributions to the occupational therapy profession.
The first woman to be awarded the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the University of Bristol in 1929, Dr Elizabeth Casson specialised in psychiatry. She introduced occupational therapy to England, setting up the first school of occupational therapy, Dorset House, in Bristol.
We award an RCOT member whose peers consider them to have made, and continue to make, a significant contribution to the development of our profession, to give the lecture.
What a nomination looks like
Laura Di Bona nominated Sue Parkinson to give our 2026 lecture. Her words capture why Sue was an exceptional nominee and Elizabeth Casson Memorial Lecturer.
Sue has dedicated her career to ensuring that the heart of occupational therapy - our commitment to meaningful activity and participation - remains visible, defensible and deeply understood. She leads the advancement of occupation-centred practice through collaborating with colleagues to create inspirational resources that have shaped, strengthened and redefined practice across our profession.
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Laura di Bona, Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy, Sheffield Hallam University
Delivered by Sue Parkinson
Delivered by Dr Charlie Chung