BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal) winner revealed

The evening, which included a drinks reception sponsored by Lloyd and Whyte, celebrated the achievements of exceptional vets and veterinary teams across four awards.

This year the BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award (Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal) is awarded to Eddie Clutton, Clinical Director of the Wellcome Trust Critical Care Laboratory for Large Animals (Roslin Institute). He received the award for the distinctive contributions he has made to the field of veterinary anaesthesia, recognising his exceptional contributions to the advancement of veterinary medicine and science.

After graduating from the University of Liverpool in 1981, Eddie began post-graduate training in the Department of Anaesthesia, The Royal Liverpool Hospital before working in the University of Virginia, USA, for five years as an assistant professor in Veterinary Anesthesiology. He gained the RCVS Diploma in Veterinary Anaesthesia in 1985. He went on to hold the role of Head of Veterinary Anaesthesia in the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (Edinburgh) from 1990 to 2015. During this time he also became a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. He was editor-in-chief of the journal, "Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia", and President of the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists. He is also a member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists, the Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law Association, the Laboratory Animal Veterinary Association and the Laboratory Animal Science Association.

Eddie, who was previously awarded the Morpheus Award by the European College of Veterinary Anaesthesia and and Analgesia and an RCVS Fellowship in 2019, said: “It is difficult to describe what I felt when I discovered that I had been awarded the 2024 Dalrymple-Champneys Cup and Medal, but it was not dissimilar to what I experienced in 1975 when I received the A level grades that got me into Liverpool vet school. It’s a mixture of amazement, disbelief, relief and elation - but it’s mainly gratitude. My profound gratitude goes to the BVA for awarding me this honour and recognition. Then, gratitude to my veterinary colleagues in North Wales and Cheshire for putting up with me while seeing practice and to the inspirational lecturers I had in Liverpool. Importantly, my thanks to my mentors, Ron Jones and Avril Waterman-Pearson, who showed me the nobility of a career preventing pain in animals. I am thankful to all my colleagues and friends in veterinary anaesthesia and laboratory animal medicine, and to Michael Thrusfield, for their friendship and support. Finally, I thank my long-suffering family: Lynne, Rhiannon, Caitlin and Liam, for letting me do what I have done over the years.”

During the evening, Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, was also presented with the BVA Outstanding Service Award (Chiron Award) award for the extensive contributions she has made to pet health and welfare and One Health.

BVA President Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Our profession is full of incredible people but some really do stand out for the amazing work they have done and their commitment to the sector. Throughout their careers both Eddie and Paula have made a huge impact to the lives of countless animals and to the profession itself. They continue to make a difference today and we are very proud to acknowledge their dedication. Thank you both for all you do and congratulations, you are both most worthy recipients of these awards.”

The other awards presented during the evening were:

• BVA Young Vet of the Year Award, supported by Zoetis
• BVA Wellbeing Awards, sponsored by MSD Animal Health
• BVA Outstanding Service Award (Chiron Award)

About the awards British Veterinary Association President Dr. Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “Whether working in small animal, equine or farm practices, or in a wide range of non-clinical roles, vets make a vital contribution to society. The BVA Awards is an opportunity to showcase the very best of their achievements, from our committed early career vets and teams going the extra mile to support wellbeing, through to practitioners with long and outstanding careers with lasting impact. Congratulations to this year’s winners, who should all be incredibly proud of what they have achieved not only for themselves but on behalf of the whole profession.”