Published: 22 Sep 2016 | Last Updated: 22 Sep 2016 16:07:46

Royal Veterinary College (RVC) Principal Stuart Reid has been awarded the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) most prestigious scientific award for the contribution he has made as an exceptional veterinary academic and a gifted researcher.

The Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal is presented each year to a member of BVA to recognise work of outstanding merit which it is considered will encourage the advancement of veterinary science. Professor Reid received the award at BVA Members’ Day in Bristol on September 22.

A graduate of the University of Glasgow, Stuart returned to Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine after spending a short time in practice. He became one of its youngest professors in 1996 and one of its youngest deans in 2005. He was appointed Principal of the RVC in 2011.

Stuart has continuously contributed to veterinary research, from his earliest papers in 1997 on donkey sarcoids to his more recent substantial papers on the epidemiology of influenza, E coli and Salmonella. He has over 140 publications in peer-reviewed journals, and over £15miilon in competitive grants to his name. Through his research, Stuart has guided veterinary public health towards a deeper understanding of pathogen biology, antimicrobial resistance and control.

The award also recognises Stuart’s “outstanding” contributions to the profession, both at the national and international level, including his recent presidency of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, his senior office at the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges and his chairmanship of the European Committee on Veterinary Education. Stuart was the first elected President of the European College of Veterinary Public Health.

Stuart’s commitment to the veterinary profession runs deep – he completed the 2015 London Marathon to raise awareness and £14,000 for mental health issues in the profession.

On learning that he had been awarded the Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal, Stuart commented: “It is a huge honour and an enormous privilege to be recognised by the British Veterinary Association; the fact that it is the Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal is truly humbling. The advancement of veterinary science happens in every facet of our profession – the practices, labs, offices, consulting rooms, on farm, in lecture halls and in surgeries…everywhere, home and abroad. I have been fortunate enough to work with colleagues – both veterinary and non-veterinary – in all of these environments and I like to think that if the contributions arising from these collaborations are judged worthy, it is very much a recognition of the collegiate approach and the efforts of the entire team.”

He added: “Our futures will depend upon us advancing veterinary science ever more rapidly in our changing world – the BVA and its cognate organisations have a central role to play and the Dalrymple-Champneys Award speaks directly to this important agenda. I am delighted to be this year’s recipient.”

Awarding the Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal for 2016, BVA President Sean Wensley said: “It gives me real pleasure to present this award to Stuart. He is a popular and deserving recipient. As his nominator said, ‘It would be difficult to propose a more illustrious candidate for the Dalyrmple-Champneys award’”.

The first Dalrymple-Champneys Award was made at the BVA’s 1934 Annual Congress and was presented by physician Sir Weldon Dalrymple-Champneys as a mark of the esteem in which he held the veterinary profession. The object of the award is that a presentation be made to a member of the BVA to mark and recognise work of outstanding merit, which it is considered will encourage the advancement of veterinary science.  Each year a Selection Committee elects the recipient of the award from nominations submitted by members of the Association. See BVA Awards for more information.