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The Plowright Prize

Plowright Prize button

The biennial Plowright Prize recognises an individual who has made a key contribution to the field of infectious diseases in animals. 

Prize background

Walter Plowright was widely regarded as one of the world’s most eminent veterinary virologists and authorities on rinderpest, whose development of a tissue culture vaccine represented a key milestone in efforts to control the disease – one of only two infectious diseases that have been fully eradicated.

The prize

This year, to celebrate 100 years from Walter Plowright's birth the prize recipient will receive £100,000 to be used to support research or other improvement activity that contributes to the control, management and eradication of infectious diseases in animals. For these purposes, the term ‘animal’ includes both domestic and free-living species – mammals, birds or fish.

Eligibility

What we are looking for in Plowright Prize candidates

This prize recognises an individual whose work has had a significant impact on the control, management and eradication of infectious diseases of animals. Their contribution will demonstrate animal, humanitarian or economic benefit.

The prize is open to any veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse or research scientist working in Europe or the Commonwealth. The nominee may be working in practice, academia, a research institute/organisation, industry, government or another relevant sector. Institutions and/or organisations are not eligible to receive the prize.

What are we looking for

A veterinary surgeon, veterinary nurse or research scientist at any stage in their career whose work demonstrates a contribution towards the control, management and eradication of infectious diseases of animals.

The nominees future plans for the Prize money must provide evidence of how their work will increase or improve knowledge within the field of infectious diseases within animals as well as inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals and scientists to undertake vital research into infectious diseases within animals.

Who can be nominated

Veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses or research scientists working in Europe or the Commonwealth.

Who can be a nominator

Nominators must be willing to provide a statement of recommendation explaining why the nominee is deserving of the Plowright Prize. Nominations are welcomed from; Veterinary Practices, Heads of University Departments or Faculties, from the Directors of Research Institutes and from Fellows of the Royal Society, members of other European Academies of Sciences, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the Society of General Microbiology.

Selection Criteria

The judging panel decide the winner of the Plowright Prize based on the following criteria:

1. If the nominee’s previous work demonstrates involvement in a field related to the control & eradication of infectious diseases in animals.

2. If the nominee has contributed towards the development of expertise within infectious diseases in the veterinary field.

3. Whether the nominee’s published work demonstrates their impact on the control and eradication of infectious diseases in animals.

4. If the proposed future research plan is likely to increase or improve knowledge within the field of infectious diseases in animals.

5. If the proposed future research plan will encourage and inspire the next generation of veterinary professionals and scientists to undertake vital research into infectious diseases in animals.

Access the Nomination Form 

Access the Plowright Prize Terms & Conditions 

All nominations must be received by 31st March 2024.

The winner will be notified in June 2024.

“I was honoured to receive this prestigious award. It is not only recognition for myself, but for all of the dedicated people I work with. I am fortunate to work with a large interdisciplinary and collaborative research team. Thank you very much to RCVS Knowledge for this award.” 

Dr Herman Barkema, 2022 Plowright Prize winner

Enquiries 

Please direct all enquiries regarding the prize to: [email protected] or by phone: +44 (0) 20 7202 0721