The keynote will discuss sustainability and its broader impacts on UK food safety.

Professor Joe Brownlie will discuss the importance of sustainability in the profession.

Infectious disease specialist Professor Joe Brownlie CBE has been announced as the keynote speaker for the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Members' Day.

Professor Brownlie, who is Emeritus Professor of Veterinary Pathology with the Royal Veterinary College, will deliver a speech entitled 'The Veterinary profession – how sustainable is our future?’. 

The keynote will discuss the importance of sustainability in the profession and its broader impacts on UK food safety. How members of the profession can contribute to safeguard against such risks, now and in the future, will also go under the spotlight. 

Professor Brownlie said: “I am honoured to be asked by our wonderful President Justine, to give the Keynote speech on our BVA Members’ Day. The subject of sustainability is both hugely important and vast in scope. In my short address, I will look at our future opportunities, responsibilities and capability to control infectious diseases.” 

BVA president Justine Shotton said: “Professor Brownlie’s vital work in the field of infectious disease research is an inspiration and it’s a real privilege to welcome him as the keynote speaker at this year’s BVA Members’ Day.

“I’m passionate about sustainability, which has been the focus of my presidential year, and so I’m particularly looking forward to hearing his perspective on the role the veterinary profession in driving forward positive change. This is sure to be a highlight for many attendees.”

Professor Brownlie is also Director of the Southern African Centre Infectious Diseases and Surveillance. A graduate of Bristol Veterinary School, his 50+ year career has been mostly devoted to investigating infectious diseases, particularly Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD). Hiw work has been essential in the creation of the BVD vaccine.

Taking place on Thursday, 29 September at Clare College, Cambridge, BVA Members' Day celebrates the achievements of the veterinary profession and includes a prestigious awards ceremony. The awards celebrate the various ways BVA members contibute to the advancement of the profession.