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BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J. Trevor Blackburn Award)
BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J. Trevor Blackburn Award) recognises a veterinary professional who has improved animal health and welfare overseas.
They have contributed to sustainable development and made a meaningful impact on animal health and welfare in low and middle income countries.
Who can enter
BVA’s Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award is open to all vets registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Anyone can put forward a candidate, but self-nominations are not considered.
What the judges are looking for
The judges are looking for a single statement (maximum 400 words) which outlines and evidences:
- Work overseas
Evidence of work overseas, preferably in low and middle income countries. Nominations should include a list of countries worked in. - Positive impact
Significant contributions overseas in areas such as animal health, animal welfare, public health, environmental needs and/or communities. Work should contribute to sustainable initiatives based on contextual solutions that are locally driven. - Strengthened in-country systems
Evidence of working with the expertise of local veterinary professionals and of strengthening and supporting demand for in-country veterinary systems, eg by developing locally led initiatives and local capacity of veterinary professionals or paraprofessionals.
How to nominate
It’s easy to apply by completing our online form.
To complete your nomination, you will need:
- Your nominees full name, email, RCVS number (find a vet).
Nominations are now open. Please submit by 23 November.
BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J. Trevor Blackburn Award) 2026
Romain Pizzi BVSc MSc PhD DZooMed DipECZM MANZCVS FRES FRSB FRGS FRCVS
Roslin, Midlothian, Scotland
Dr Romain Pizzi, past President of BVA’s Scottish Branch has been named the winner in recognition of his work overseas with local veterinary and animal care teams, for a range of wild and endangered species. A Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) recognised specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and European recognised specialist in Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management), Romain is known for performing and publishing a number of global firsts for wildlife medicine. Romain has delivered real-world impact on animal welfare through direct engagement with new and novel surgical techniques. An unwaveringly strong representative of the UK veterinary sector overseas, Romain not only continues to pioneer new techniques but actively engages in the teaching of such techniques and skills through engagement with the local veterinary communities, delivering meaningful benefits for wildlife health and welfare overseas.
You can learn more about our previous winners here: