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HONOURS
Broadcaster and veterinary history expert among recipients of honorary doctorates
The RVC awarded honorary doctorates to science broadcaster and alumna, Liz Bonnin, fellow alumnus Bruce Vivash Jones, and reproductive science expert Alan McNeilly during the summer’s Graduation Ceremony. The event took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall and the trio received their honorary degrees from Stuart Reid.
Liz Bonnin is a biochemist, wild animal biologist and TV presenter. Having been awarded with distinction in her master’s degree
in Wild Animal Biology from the RVC in 2008 and coming first in her class,
Liz moved into promoting science on national TV. She was recruited by the BBC to present their popular science
show Bang Goes the Theory, which aired for eight series. Other TV credits include Blue Planet Live, Museum of Life, Drowning in Plastic, Super Smart Animals and Galapagos.
Liz addressed our recent graduates
and their guests during the ceremony, encouraging them to follow their dreams
and strive for what they believe. She talked about her research project studying tigers in Nepal, and how
it has helped in her current work and recent career choices.
Bruce Vivash Jones is a leading consultant and veterinary historian. After qualifying from the RVC in 1951, he held various appointments before establishing Vivash-Jones Consultants, an advisory firm on animal health issues, with clients across the world.
Over his long career, Bruce has held various positions, including President of the Central
Veterinary Society; Chairman of the BVA’s Veterinary Policy Group; and Chairman of the Veterinary History Society, in which he still serves as Vice-Chairman.
A founding member of BSAVA, Bruce has overseen a number of veterinary publications. He has also dedicated time to chronicling the history of the profession and has published three books.
Alan McNeilly is an honorary professor at the University of Edinburgh’s MRC Centre for Reproductive Health. His research, which explores how the pituitary gland regulates ovarian function, has made significant contributions to the knowledge in this field. His work has also contributed to World Health Organisation’s and Family Health International’s guidelines on the health of infants.
Professor McNeilly began his career in the veterinary sector, working at
the National Institute for Research in Dairying, after graduating from the University of Nottingham with a BSc in Animal Science.
Speaking on the day, Stuart said:
“We are delighted to recognise these three enormously talented individuals for their contributions to our sector
as well as broader society. That we count them as friends, and for the RVC to be associated with them, is an honour and the example they set our graduating class and other students is of the highest order. From such varied backgrounds and with complementary skills, they are perfect role models.”
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Dr Bruce Vivash Jones with Stuart Reid