Emeritus professor honoured by RCVS
Professor Lance Lanyon (Right) received the prestigious Queen's Medal at RCVS Day 2026.
Professor Lance Lanyon CBE, Emeritus Professor of the University of London at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Medal for outstanding contributions to the profession at Royal College Day (3 July).
The prestigious award, launched by the late Queen Elizabeth II, recognises a veterinary surgeon who has achieved a highly distinguished career with sustained and outstanding achievements.
Lance’s nominator, Tim Skerry, Emeritus Professor at the School of Medicine at the University of Sheffield, said: “Lance’s career has been so impactful because he has influenced many people within and outside the profession to aspire to high goals, providing a role model for many other researchers’
“His extraordinary ability to manage and solve complex problems led to major regeneration of the RVC, developing modern research- led teaching, and increasing student numbers to fill growing needs for UK veterinary graduates. In research, Lance’s discoveries are fundamental to all today’s researchers in bone biology/osteoporosis internationally. He changed views and altered understanding profoundly and to the benefit of humans and animals.”
Lance’s career included being Principal of the Royal Veterinary College from 1989 to 2004, as well as groundbreaking research on bone biology and osteoporosis. He also served as Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of London (1997-1999).
A member of RCVS Council from 1989-2004, Lance chaired RCVS visitations to the Universities of Glasgow, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Bristol, Cambridge, Nottingham, Pretoria, Brisbane and Sydney.
Upon receiving the Queen's Medal, Lance commented that he became a veterinary surgeon aged 22 in 1966, just as the England men’s football team were winning the World Cup. He described the journey he had been on since that point, noting the support he had from colleagues, friends and family.
The winners of several other prestigious awards were also announced at RCVS Day, including Samantha Fontaine DipAVN, who was bestowed the VN Golden Jubilee Award.
Samantha, who is currently in her third year of a doctorate in education, received the accolade for her collaborative and supportive approach to veterinary nurse training.
Her nominator, Dr Mary Fraser, Director of Education, Training and Assessment at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, said: “Throughout her career, Sam has strived to further develop, highlight and advance the subject of veterinary nursing and the role of the veterinary nurse in practice.
“She has shown by her own example what is possible and, alongside this, has always brought her colleagues with her. She is approachable, interested in hearing what others have to say, and focuses on finding solutions.”
The full list of award winners can be found in the Royal College Day 2026 Programme.
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. 
