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Animal welfare expert awarded UFAW medal
UFAW CEO Dr Robert Hubrecht with UFAW Medal 2018 winner Professor Paul Flecknell

Prof Paul Flecknell recognised for improving the welfare of laboratory animals

A leading expert in laboratory animal science and welfare has received a top honour in recognition of his achievements.

Professor Paul Flecknell received the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Animal Welfare Science at a special ceremony in Newcastle today (28 June).

UFAW CEO Dr Robert Hubrecht, who presented the award, said: “Professor Flecknell’s exceptional contributions have been at many levels - scientific, practical, translational, educational and academic leadership. He is an outstanding winner of the 2018 UFAW medal.”

Prof Flecknell is a professor of laboratory animal science and director of comparative biology centre at Newcastle University. His work has helped scientists across the world understand the pain which may be inflicted on animals by their research and how this can be managed without reducing the scientific value.

Besides publishing more than 180 books, chapters and peer-reviewed papers, Prof Flecknell has also played a hugely influential role on many committees, societies, funding bodies and journals concerned with laboratory animal welfare science. His book Laboratory Animal Anaesthesia is a standard text in the field, as his edited volume Pain Management in Animals.

Professor Flecknell was nominated for the award by Dr Matt Leach, a lecturer at the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences at Newcastle University. Commenting, Dr Leach said:

“Paul is recognised as a world-leading expert in both laboratory animal science and welfare… Outside of his veterinary and research activities he has undertaken a variety of roles in over 14 national and international committees and boards that promote laboratory animal welfare… I cannot think of a more deserving candidate for the UFAW medal for outstanding contributions to animal welfare than Professor Flecknell.”

The UFAW Medal recognises exceptional achievements of individual scientists who have made fundamental contributions to the advancement of animal welfare over many years. It is open to individuals across the world whose research, teaching, service and advocacy have made a significant contribution to the welfare of animals.

Image (C) UFAW

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.