The RCVS has launched the nomination period for its 2026 Honours and Awards.

The RCVS Honours and Awards programme recognises veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and laypeople, both in the UK and overseas, who are carrying out exemplary work across the breadth of veterinary endeavour.

This year, there's a new Collaboration Award to recognise best practice in collaboration – whether that’s bringing together veterinary professionals working in different organisations or disparate fields, or veterinary professionals working with human medics, scientists, lawyers, or law enforcement to improve the health of people, animals and the environment.

In addition to the Collaboration Award, the RCVS awards for which nominations can be made this year are:

  • The Queen’s Medal – an award for a veterinary surgeon who has achieved a highly distinguished career with sustained and outstanding achievements throughout.
  • The Veterinary Nursing Golden Jubilee Award - awarded to a veterinary nurse who has had a sustained and distinguished career, who can demonstrate a leadership role within the profession and who can act as an ambassador for the value of veterinary nurses and their work.
  • The RCVS International Award - awarded to veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses or laypeople, i.e. those who are neither MsRCVS nor RVNs, who have made an outstanding contribution on issues that are in line with the RCVS mission.
  • The RCVS Impact Award - awarded to veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses, or a vet- or RVN-led team, that has recently made a considerable impact in terms of clinical or research work, that has led to a profound change in the professions at large, animal health or welfare, one health, or public health.
  • The RCVS Inspiration Award - awarded to veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses who have demonstrated the ability to inspire and enthuse others consistently throughout their careers.
  • Honorary Associateship - awarded to laypeople who have made a special contribution to the veterinary sphere and could include, for example, scientists, lecturers, journalists, charity-workers, farriers, farmers and those involved in the commercial field.
  • The RCVS Compassion Award - awarded to a veterinary surgeon or veterinary nurse at any stage of their career who has demonstrated compassion towards fellow professionals and/or members of the animal-owning public. 
  • The RCVS Student Community Award – awarded to a veterinary or veterinary nursing student who has made a real effort to support their fellow students and the wider veterinary/veterinary nursing school community. 

The deadline for submitting a nomination for the 2026 RCVS awards is Wednesday 7 January 2026.

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/how-we-work/rcvs-honours-awards 

https://www.rcvs.org.uk/forms/honours-and-awards-2026 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.