Plowright Prize now open for nominations
Nominations are open until 31 March 2024.
The Plowright Prize, which recognises individuals who work against infectious diseases in animals, has opened for submissions.
This year, to commemorate 100 years since the award’s namesake Walter Plowright was born, the prize will be £100,000 for the recipient’s ongoing work.
The award, run by RCVS Knowledge, is open for veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and research scientists who have made a significant impact on the control, management and eradication of infectious diseases of animals. They will need to be working in Europe or the Commonwealth, and be able to demonstrate animal, humanitarian or economic benefit in the field.
Nominated individuals can be working in a research setting, in academia, in practice or in related sectors. The award is not open to organisations.
The winner will be decided by a judging panel, including representatives from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health, Pirbright, The Royal Society and the Microbiology Society.
The award is named after veterinary scientist Walter Plowright, who is recognised for his work on the development of a tissue culture vaccine which led to the eradication of the cattle plague rinderpest.
In 2010, the same year that Dr Plowright died, the FAO announced that rinderpest had been completely eradicated worldwide.
The Plowright Prize now celebrates veterinary professionals who have contributed to the battle against infectious diseases in animals, with this year’s £100,000 prize marking 100 years since Walter Plowright’s birth on 20 July 1923.
Last year the prize went to Dr Herman Barkema, a professor in epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Calgary. Dr Barkema was recognised for his research on mastisis, Johne’s disease and antimicrobial resistance.
Amanda Boag, RCVS Knowledge chair of the Board of Trustees, said “We are delighted to open the third Plowright Prize in memory of one of the world’s most exceptional veterinary surgeons and scientists, and in celebration of decades of dedication to an area of substantial societal significance.
“We look forward to receiving nominations from throughout Europe and the Commonwealth that will further vital research in the area of infectious disease within the veterinary profession, benefiting animals, the public and society worldwide.”
Nominations can be made here and are open until 31 March 2024.
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Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
