The initiative aims to support the next generation of equine vets.
The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has announced a new awards programme designed to support veterinary students and early career vets.
The initiative has been made possible thanks to funding from Professor Padraic (Paddy) Dixon, a long-standing BEVA supporter and global authority in equine medicine.
The Paddy Dixon Travel Awards will provide financial support for BEVA members to attend recognised veterinary conferences in the UK and internationally, helping them learn from leading experts, share research, and bring new knowledge back to the equine veterinary community.
The programme comprises two awards:
The Student Travel Award: For BEVA members enrolled in an accredited veterinary degree programme.
The Early Career Travel Award: For qualified equine vets who are BEVA members within their first four years post-graduation, including those undertaking internships or early-career research roles.
Each award will have an initial budget of £5,000, with four application review points each year and multiple grants awarded annually.
To encourage research and knowledge exchange, priority will be given to applicants presenting an abstract or poster, particularly in areas reflecting Professor Dixon’s clinical interests: equine dentistry, upper airway surgery, sinus surgery, and maxillofacial surgery.
Paddy Dixon said: “It is a privilege to help establish this prestigious award. Investing in the next generation of equine vets is fundamental to advancing our profession. By supporting them as undergraduates and in the early stages of their careers, we can foster a lasting commitment to clinical excellence, continuous professional development, and the highest standards of veterinary practice.
"I hope that this award programme might, in some small way, help to shape confident, capable, and accomplished vets who will make a meaningful contribution to the future of this wonderful profession.”
In addition to the awards, BEVA has announced a dedicated Paddy Dixon Session at BEVA Congress 2027, creating an annual platform to showcase clinical expertise and advances in the key fields that have defined Professor Dixon’s career.
Image (C) BEVA.
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