Richards scoops regal award
Professor Randolph Richards CBE, an Emeritus Professor at Stirling’s Institute of Aquaculture, is the recipient of this year’s Queen’s Medal – the highest honour a veterinary surgeon can receive.
Professor Richards has long been an advocate of animal welfare, particularly fish health and welfare. He will receive the medal at an RCVS event on 15th July.
Professor Richards was Director of the Institute of Aquaculture from 1996 to 2009, and currently serves on numerous veterinary committees and advisory groups, as well as being a trustee and director of several companies and organisations.
On hearing the news, the Professor said: “I’m absolutely delighted and feel incredibly honoured to be the recipient of the RCVS Queen’s Medal. It is particularly satisfying to receive this recognition from my veterinary peers.”
He was nominated by fellow veterinary surgeon Dr Peter Jeffries, Chief Executive for the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines, who was also one of Professor Richards’s former postgrad students at the University of Stirling.
In his nomination form, Dr Jeffries praised Professor Richard’s life-long dedication to pioneering the importance of fish health and welfare within the broader veterinary world. He especially emphasised his contributions to the field of aquaculture, fish health and welfare, as well as his active role in representing the veterinary profession, industry, academia and international associations in committees, delegations and inspectorates.
The Queen’s Medal is open to all members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and can be awarded to one veterinary surgeon each year. All nominations for the Medal were reviewed by the Operational Board, before being approved by RCVS Council.
Dr Bradley Viner, RCVS President, said: “We are proud to present Professor Richards with this recognition of his contributions to veterinary excellence. His commitment to foregrounding fish health and welfare in particular is truly exemplary, and the bestowing of the Queen’s Medal is a testament to the value of his work.”
Dr Jeffries’ nomination was supported by Professor Julie Fitzpatrick OBE, Scientific Director and Chief Executive of the Moredun Research Institute, and Professor Peter Wells, Honorary Professor of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics at the University of Nottingham, Chairman of Moredun Scientific and Chairman of GALVmed.
