Professor Ian Ramsey.

The awards celebrate significant contributions to the profession.

The BSAVA has revealed the winners of its 2026 awards, celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to veterinary science, research, clinical practice, education and small animal welfare.

This year’s prestigious Bourgelat Award – recognising international contributions to the fields of small animal practice or science – goes to Ian Ramsey, Professor of Small Animal Medicine at the University of Glasgow. 

Honoured for his ‘significant and lasting impact on the profession’, Professor Ramsey is a renowned figure in internal medicine, specifically within the field of endocrinology.

He will deliver his Bourgelat lecture, ‘The weird and wonderful world of endocrinology’ at BSAVA Congress on 22nd April at 8pm. The lecture will be available online to all members of the veterinary profession for those unable to attend. 

Recognising exceptional contibutions

New for 2026, the winner of the Des Thompson Award goes to Ian Millar in recognition of his pioneering contribution to veterinary ophthalmology and his exceptional service to the Northern Irish veterinary community for more than 40 years.

Des was the first vet in the region to gain a certificate in ophthalmology, and later the first BVA Eye Scheme panellist, shaping the development of specialist eye care.

This year’s Simon Award was presented to Matteo Rossanese, a Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Surgery at the Royal Veterinary College and co-head of soft tissue surgery. 

Matteo was honoured for his exceptional contribution to small animal surgery, particularly in cardiothoracic procedures. He is one of only a handful of surgeons worldwide performing complex open-heart operations in dogs under cardiopulmonary bypass.

Dedication to small animals and exotics 

The winner of this year’s Woodrow Award – honouring significant contributions to the advancement of small animal medicine –  is Dr Madonna Livingstone for her ‘exceptional dedication to caring for small animals and exotics’. 

Currently head vet and head of exotics at the Ark Veterinary Clinics Ltd, Dr Livingstone’s commitment to improving the welfare of often overlooked species has transformed the lives of countless animals.

BSAVA honorary secretary, Adam Gow, said: “We were delighted to receive so many inspiring nominations this year, highlighting just how much outstanding work is happening across the veterinary community. Each of them has demonstrated remarkable dedication to the veterinary profession, and we’re proud to recognise the positive impact they make on animals, clients, and colleagues every day. A huge congratulations to all our well‑deserved winners.”


Other award winners include:

The BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Award – Lyndsay Hughes 

The Ray Butcher Award – Dr Rowena Packer


The J.A Wight Memorial Award – Jon Fitzmaurice


The Melton Award – Stefano Zanardi


The Dunkin Award – Karen Yuet Ming Fong


BSAVA PetSavers Clinical Research Abstract Award – Ollie Bardsley


BSAVA PetSavers Annual Research Award – Sze Lynn Yuen.

Image (C) BSAVA.