Nominations open for Plowright Prize 2026
Nominations must be made before 31 January 2026.
Veterinary charity RCVS Knowledge has officially opened nominations for this year’s Plowright Prize of £100,000.
Nominators must submit a statement of recommendation for their nominee before the deadline, which is 31 January 2026.
The Plowright Prize recognises veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and research scientists which have contributed to increased or improved knowledge of infectious diseases in animals.
As judged by an expert panel, the winner will be able to show how their work has impacted the control, management or eradication of infectious diseases in animals. This can be an animal, humanitarian or economic benefit.
Nominees may be working in Europe or the Commonwealth, in practice, academia, research, industry or government. They must have published at least five articles about infectious diseases, and be continuing to increase knowledge and improve control of the diseases.
They must also be able to demonstrate their future plans for the £100,000 prize money. Their plans must show how they will use the prize to continue the research and inspire the next generation to work in the field.
Institutions and organisations are not eligible to be nominated.
The award is named in honour of Walter Plowright, who was recognised as one of the world’s leading veterinary virologists and authorities on rinderpest. His work developing a tissue culture vaccine helped control the infectious disease, which is one of only two to be completely eradicated.
The prize, awarded every two years, recognises excellence in virology and promotes further research.
In 2023/2024 the Plowright Prize was awarded to Fiona Tomley, celebrating her work reducing infectious diseases in poultry. Prof Tomley’s 40-year career has seen her conduct research into basic science discovery, technological advances, international research leadership and more.
Her £100,000 prize fund will be used to establish a global mentoring network for infectious disease researchers with a focus on One Health.
Prof Tomley said: “It is a huge honour to receive the Plowright Prize and I am delighted that my work, and that of my colleagues and collaborators, has been recognised by the judging panel.
“Taking a One Health approach is a team effort, requiring researchers to communicate across disciplines, translate basic science to useful outcomes, advocate for science at its interface with policy, and collaborate with researchers from different geographical settings.”
More details about the Plowright Prize can be found here.
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