Recognise excellence and innovation: Nominations open for 2026 AVA Awards

Each year, the veterinary profession comes together to honour the remarkable contributions of veterinarians who are shaping the future of our profession. The AVA Awards represent the pinnacle of distinction within veterinary science in Australia - celebrating excellence, innovation, dedication and service to the profession. 

Nominations for the 2026 AVA Awards are now open, across 8 categories. These awards offer an opportunity to highlight not just the visible leaders in our community, but also the many who are working behind the scenes to strengthen the veterinary profession. 

Dr Stephen Page, recipient of the 2025 AVA Fellow Award, shared his admiration for the profession’s collective impact, that shines through thanks to these awards. 

“What felt particularly inspiring was just seeing the other award winners and hearing what they had to say and the achievements that they had made,” he said. 

“We don't work in isolation. The AVA has got so many active members and people who are just so invested in the profession and want to make it as wonderful a place to work in as possible.” 

Similarly, Dr Jack Egan, who received the inaugural Emerging Leader Award, described how the awards represent so much more than the individual receiving the accolade. 

“I feel overwhelmingly grateful to my leaders, this award reflects the influence of those who lead not just with expert skills and knowledge, but also with positive energy, empathy, and integrity - the kind of leadership that quietly inspires and leaves a lasting impact. I love being a veterinarian, it is the most diverse, challenging and fulfilling career.” 

Awards open for nomination: 

Gilruth Prize – This is the highest honour awarded by the AVA and represents peer recognition for many years – often a lifetime – of dedication and service of the highest degree. Nominations may be submitted by the Divisional and Special Interest Group Executive Committees.  

President’s Award – Selected by the current AVA president, this award recognises an outstanding practical contribution, particularly within the preceding 5 years. Nominated by the President of the Australian Veterinary Association. 

Fellow – For exemplary contribution to the Association and the veterinary profession. Divisional and Special Interest Group Executive Committees can nominate.  

Meritorious Service Award – For outstanding service to the Association, its Divisions, Branches or Special Interest Groups. Divisional or Special Interest Group Committees can nominate.  

Emerging Leader - An award that recognises a high achieving individual, who is within 8 years of completion of university and currently working in the veterinary profession. Nominations may be submitted by the Divisional and Special Interest Group Executive Committees.   

Kesteven Medal – For significant and pioneering contribution to international veterinary science. Nominations may be submitted by AVA members, AVA Group Committees and members of the ANZCVS.  

Don Kerr Veterinary Student Award - Australian veterinary schools are invited to nominate one final year student for this celebrated award, with the nominees to be judged on their academic achievement and commitment to cattle medicine.  

Honorary Member– For services to the AVA or to the veterinary profession as a whole. Divisional and Special Interest Group Executive Committees are eligible to nominate.  

The 2026 AVA Award recipients will be announced and celebrated at the AVA Gala Dinner on Wednesday 20 May in Brisbane, during the 2026 AVA Conference. 

Nominations close Monday 2 February 2026 — so now is the time to help shine a light on the colleagues, mentors, and peers who make veterinary medicine such a vibrant and forward-looking profession. 

For more information, visit the AVA Awards page or email awards@ava.com.au.