Nominations now open for BVA Awards 2026

Nominations are now open for this year’s prestigious BVA Awards. Vets, vet teams and for some awards, members of the public, are all invited to recommend inspirational and talented vets and vet teams who are making a real impact in a huge variety of ways.

The awards, including three new categories for 2026, celebrate talented veterinary colleagues who are going above and beyond for their patients and clients; supporting wellbeing and positive workplace culture; driving positive change across sustainability; delivering inspirational leadership and mentoring; and pushing the boundaries of veterinary science.

The winners will be announced at a special awards dinner at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Thursday 11 June 2026, as part of BVA Live. 

BVA President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS 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.”

New awards this year

• BVA Veterinary Mentor Award: This new award recognises an inspirational mentor who has gone above and beyond to support and guide others within the veterinary professions.

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

Awards returning for 2026

• BVA Young Vet of the Year, supported by Zoetis: Now in its ninth year, this prestigious award highlights the outstanding work of young 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.

• 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.

• BVA Outstanding Service Award: This 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, and the Worldwide Veterinary Service Global Veterinary Challenge Award, which is running in association with BVA and is designed to engage veterinary students in developing innovative, sustainable solutions to pressing animal welfare issues, will also be presented at the ceremony.

The nomination deadline is 16 March 2026. To make a nomination or for more information about each award and their criteria, visit https://www.bva.co.uk/membership/bva-awards-2026/

BVA Live

BVA Live is back for 2026, taking place on 11–12 June at the NEC Birmingham. There is something for everyone, including a fantastic exhibition and CPD sessions with expert panellists covering everything from the latest clinical techniques, updates on the Competition and Markets Authority investigation into services for household pets and careers and business advice. 

Find out more and book your ticket here.