Vets honoured with 2026 BVA Awards
“I feel very proud to be part of a profession that places such importance on mentorship and supporting our students and colleagues.” – Sharon Ann King.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has recognised a number of veterinary professionals at its annual BVA Awards Dinner.
The ceremony, which took place as part of BVA Live, saw the organisation present seven awards – including three new accolades.
Among the new awards was the BVA One Health and Sustainability Award. Launched in honour of past president Simon Doherty, who was a champion of sustainability and One Health, the award celebrates initiatives that drives increased awareness and action on key issues.
The inaugural winner was announced as Dr Laura Higham, the founder of sustainability charity Vet Sustain.
Dr Higham is recognised for her leadership skills, which have guided practices with embedding One Health principles and positioned vets as key contributors to environmental sustainability, food system resilience and public health. BVA describes Vet Sustain as the first coordinated platform dedicated to empowering vets to act on sustainability.
She said: “It is such an honour to receive this award. Sustainability and One Health have become a defining part of my career, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be recognised for work I am so passionate about.
“I would like to thank BVA for this recognition and congratulate all of the finalists. It is a privilege to be part of a profession that is so committed to creating more sustainable future for animals, people and the environment.”
The BVA Veterinary Mentor Award was presented to Sharon Ann King. She was described as an ‘inspirational mentor’, who goes above and beyond for her mentees.
Ms King is a small animal vet at Downes Veterinary Services and a lecturer in Veterinary Science at Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Science. Her nominations mentioned her personal touch and her approach to student support.
She said: “This recognition means a great deal to me, and I feel incredibly grateful to have been nominated for this award, let alone be named as the winner! To play even a small role in supporting and helping to shape the next generation of vets is a real privilege, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
“I feel very proud to be part of a profession that places such importance on mentorship and supporting our students and colleagues.”
Meanwhile Paul Horwood, farm vet and IVC’s head of farm and exports, received the BVA Veterinary Leader Award 2026.
Mr Horwood was recognised for inspiring and supporting others with ‘calm, principled and highly effective leadership’. His nomination described him guiding organisations and individuals through complex situations ‘with clarity and confidence’.
He said: “The key is to keep listening, keep learning and striving to improve. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with talented colleagues who challenge, support and inspire me every day, and this award is as much a reflection of them as it is of me.”
Image © BVA
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
