MOREDUN Research Institute director Professor Julie Fitzpatrick has been given the British Veterinary Association’s most prestigious scientific award for her 'exceptional record' of research and development for the benefit of livestock health and welfare.

The Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal is presented each year to a member of BVA to mark and recognise work of outstanding merit which it is considered will encourage the advancement of veterinary science.

A graduate of the University of Glasgow’s School of Veterinary Medicine, Professor Fitzpatrick received an early accolade when she was recognised as the McCall Award winner for the most outstanding veterinary student throughout the course. After five years in mixed practice, she established herself as a dedicated veterinary teacher and researcher.

In her 14 years as scientific director at the Moredun, Professor Fitzpatrick has been extremely successful in her work directing and sourcing funding for research into endemic diseases and disease control tools for the livestock industry. Among many influential roles, she is currently chair of the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s Scientific Advisory Panel.

As well as leading vital and innovative research programmes in Scotland and the wider UK, she has made an outstanding contribution to international development, especially in relation to livestock in developing countries, having set up and led research projects funded by the Department for International Development and based mainly in Tanzania, and through this become involved with GALVmed, a livestock health partnership funded by DFID and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She was recently appointed Chair of the Southern African Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance.

Professor Fitzpatrick said: “It is a huge honour to receive the Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal from BVA. I have been very fortunate indeed to have had a challenging and rewarding career in research and development. I have particularly enjoyed the focus on health and welfare of livestock species, an interest initiated during my time as an undergraduate at Glasgow Vet School and subsequently reinforced in my first job in mixed practice.

“I am delighted to accept this award which reflects the innovative and practical research undertaken by my many colleagues at Moredun and with collaborators across the world.”

Outgoing BVA president John Fishwick said: “Professor Fitzpatrick has raised the prestige of the veterinary profession nationally and internationally through her strategic leadership in veterinary science. Her dedication to improving livestock health and welfare through science and education has benefitted veterinary and farming communities across the world. She is an excellent ambassador for veterinary science and research and a most worthy recipient of this award.”