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RVC professor wins animal research award
Professor Wells recieved the honour at the annual Openess Awards in London.

Dominic Wells awarded for ‘outstanding contribution to openness’

RVC Professor Dominic Wells has been presented with a prestigious award for ‘outstanding contribution to openness in animal research’.

Professor Wells received the honour at the annual Openness Awards in London on Tuesday (3 December), hosted by Understanding Animal Research (UAR). The “UAR Individual Award” was given to Dominic Wells in recognition of his ‘outstanding’ work within the sector to promote the responsible use of animals.

Professor Wells said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received this award from Understanding Animal Research and am grateful for the support I have received from the RVC. My contribution to the sector stems from a true passion for animal research and it is an honour to be recognised in this way.”

Professor Wells was nominated for his numerous contributions to the UAR, including regular discussions with the media, MPs and other stakeholders on the use of animals in research. His nominators also praised his roles as chair of the Animal Sciences Group at the Royal Society of Biology, and co-chair of the UK Bioscience Sector Coalition.

The UAR Openness Awards celebrate the achievements of the sector in honouring their commitment to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research. The awards seek to recognise those who have championed openness on animal research over the years and continue to do so.

This year, the UAR Individual Award was also presented to Val Summers from the Laboratory Animal Science Association. In a Tweet, Understanding Animal Research praised Ms Summers ‘for going ‘above and beyond in her work, ensuring that public and media engagement around #animalresearch is at the top of the agenda.’

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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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.