BVA Awards 2027 opens for nominations

Our awards showcase talented colleagues who work with such dedication in a range of veterinary specialisms, right across the UK.  Whether they are going above and beyond for their patients and clients; pushing the boundaries of veterinary science; supporting wellbeing and positive workplace culture; delivering inspirational leadership and mentoring; or driving positive change across sustainability, we have an award to celebrate their hard work and achievements.

The nomination deadline is 23 November 2026. The winners will be announced at our annual awards dinner at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Thursday 11 March 2027, during our flagship event BVA Live. 

If you know a veterinary professional or team who deserves recognition, please nominate them for one of our awards and help us celebrate their achievements.

THE AWARDS: 

• BVA Young Vet of the Year, supported by Zoetis This prestigious award, now in its 9^th year, highlights the outstanding work of young and early career vets, those who are making a significant contribution in their workplace or the wider veterinary community, who are leading and inspiring, or who go above and beyond what is expected of them early on in their career. The winner will receive an enhanced prize package consisting of £1,000 prize money, generously provided by our sponsor, Zoetis, a year of free BVA membership and more.

• BVA Veterinary Mentor Award, supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition This award recognises an inspirational mentor who has gone above and beyond to support and guide others within the veterinary professions. In addition to securing the prestigious BVA Veterinary Mentor Award, the winner will receive a prize of £1,000, generously provided by our sponsor, Hill’s Pet Nutrition.

• BVA Wellbeing Awards The BVA Wellbeing Awards recognise veterinary workplaces that go above and beyond to support and enhance team wellbeing as highlighted in the Good Veterinary Workplaces Voluntary Code. In addition to being a BVA award winning workplace, each category winner will get 30 days of enhanced online recruitment listings with Vet Record Careers.

• BVA One Health and Sustainability Award Presented in memory of BVA Past President Dr. Simon Doherty, a champion of sustainability and One Health, this award celebrates veterinary-led initiatives that have driven increased awareness and action on these key issues.

• BVA Veterinary Leader Award This award recognises an inspirational leader who has driven positive change, fostered innovation, and made a lasting difference to colleagues, the profession, and animal welfare.

• BVA Outstanding Service Award Our most prestigious award, the BVA Outstanding Service Award recognises an individual who has provided exceptional service to the veterinary profession or animal welfare, earning international or inter-professional recognition, who is well-known for leading important projects or contributing to key initiatives that have made a meaningful impact.

• BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal) Winners of this award are BVA members who have advanced veterinary science and medicine through research and knowledge sharing, whether through authoring work or undertaking activities that have spread knowledge and improved understanding in their field.

• BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J.Trevor Blackburn Award) This award goes to BVA members who have worked to improve animal health and welfare overseas, contributing to sustainable development and making a meaningful impact on animal health and welfare in low and middle income countries.

The Vet Record Impact Award, which recognises the research paper published in Vet Record over the year considered likely to have the most significant practical impact, will also be presented at the ceremony.

To make a nomination or for more information about each award and their criteria, visit https://www.bva.co.uk/membership/the-bva-awards/

PAST WINNERS

BVA Young Vet of the Year 2026 - Anna Hewison

Farm vet Dr Anna Hewison was named the winner of the prestigious BVA Young Vet of the Year 2026 for her consistently high standards of care, clinical excellence and genuine commitment to her development, collaboration between farmers, vet techs and her colleagues. On winning, she said: “I cannot believe that I have won this award and feel incredibly honoured. It is especially meaningful given the high standard of nominees.  It is a privilege to be part of such a committed and passionate profession, and I look forward to continuing to learn and make a positive difference for the farmers and animals I work with every day.” 

BVA Veterinary Mentor Award 2026 - Sharon King

Sharon King, a small animal vet at Downes Veterinary Services and a lecturer in Veterinary Science at Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science, won this award for her compassion and for supporting those who “might have fallen into the cracks along the way”. She said: “This recognition means a great deal to me, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been nominated for this award, let alone be named as the winner! To play even a small role in supporting and helping to shape the next generation of vets is a real privilege, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I feel very proud to be part of a profession that places such importance on mentorship and supporting our students and colleagues.”  

BVA Veterinary Leader Award 2026 - Paul Horwood

Farm vet and UK Head of Farm and Exports for Inspiring Vet Care, Paul Horwood from Romney Marsh, Kent, won the award for inspiring and supporting others through calm, principled and highly effective leadership, guiding organisations and individuals through complex situations with clarity and confidence. Paul said: “I’m genuinely honoured to receive this award and say a big thank you to those who nominated me. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with talented colleagues who challenge, support and inspire me every day, and this award is as much a reflection of them as it is of me.”  

BVA Live

BVA Live is back for 2027, taking place on March 11–12 at the NEC Birmingham. There is something for everyone, including a fantastic exhibition and CPD sessions with expert panelists covering everything from the latest clinical techniques, discussions on the Competition and Markets Authority remedies and how to ensure compliance and careers and business advice. 

Find out more and book your ticket at: bvalive.vetshow.com