This is the highest honour awarded each year by the AVA and represents peer recognition for many years – often a lifetime – of dedication and service of the highest degree.

Our previous recipients have distinguished themselves with their valued contributions across diverse areas of veterinary science, both in Australia and globally. With their work ranging from research, literature and education, to animal welfare, advocacy and practice management, all recipients of the Gilruth Prize are united by the exceptional impact they’ve had on the veterinary profession.

The Gilruth Prize was established in 1953 to commemorate Dr J A Gilruth one of the founders of veterinary science in Australia. Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne, the first Chief of the Division of Animal Health of the CSIRO, and Administrator of the Northern Territory, Dr Gilruth was an outstanding veterinary authority.  

He was known for being an esteemed veterinary scientist and specialist bacteriologist who led the world. He was the President of the AVA in 1933 and received his Honorary Membership in 1936.