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Posted: 15th January 2026

Nominations open for BVA Awards 2026
Nominations close on 16 March 2026.
A new award has been launched in memory of Dr Simon Doherty.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has opened nominations for this year’s BVA Awards.

This year, nominations are being accepted for ten awards categories, including a new award in honour of the late Simon Doherty.

The BVA One Health and Sustainability Award commemorates Dr Doherty’s passion for sustainability and One Health. The award will celebrate veterinary-led initiatives which raise awareness and promote action for these issues.

Also new for 2026 is the BVA Veterinary Mentor Award and the BVA Veterinary Leader Award.

The Veterinary Mentor Award has been introduced to celebrate those who have gone ‘above and beyond’ to guide others through the veterinary professions. Meanwhile the Veterinary Leader Award recognises leaders which drive change, fostered innovation and make an impression on the sector.

Returning for 2026 is the Zoetis-sponsored BVA Young Vet of the Year, which is now in its ninth year.

The award is for those who have graduated in the past eight years and made a significant contribution to the veterinary profession. Last year’s award was won by Leah Hunter, who was celebrated for her ‘dedication, compassion, and unwavering devotion to her patients’.

The other awards available include:
•    BVA Wellbeing Awards
•    BVA Outstanding Service Award
•    BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal)
•    BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J. Trevor Blackburn Award)

The special awards dinner, which will take place as part of BVA Live on 11 June 2026, will also see the presentation of the Vet Record Impact Award and the Worldwide Veterinary Service Global Veterinary Challenge Award.

The Vet Record Impact Award recognises a research paper published in the journal which is expected to have a significant practical impact. Meanwhile the Worldwide Veterinary Service Global Veterinary Challenge Award, run in association with BVA, seeks to engage veterinary students in developing sustainable solutions for animal welfare issues.

Rob Williams, BVA president, said: “The veterinary profession has been under intense pressure over the last few years, but our vets and vet teams remain dedicated to providing the best care they can for the UK’s animals. It is always heartening and inspiring to hear about their achievements, their compassion and determination.

“Our new BVA Awards event is a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on our outstanding vets and veterinary teams.

“If you know an inspirational vet or vet team who always goes the extra mile, this is your chance to nominate them and give them the recognition they deserve.”

The nomination deadline for the awards is 16 March 2026. More information about each award can be found on the BVA website.

Image © HobbitArt/Shutterstock



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