Sheffield vet wins national veterinary award for sustainability

A Sheffield vet, Dr Laura Higham BVM&S MSc PhD MRCVS, has been named the winner of the prestigious BVA One Health and Sustainability Award 2026. Presented in memory of BVA Past President Dr. Simon Doherty, a champion of sustainability and One Health, this award celebrates veterinary-led initiatives that have driven increased awareness and action on these key issues.  

The award was presented at last night’s (Thursday 11 June) BVA Awards Dinner 2026 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole alongside the winners of twelve other awards. 

Laura was nominated for demonstrating exceptional leadership in embedding One Health principles within veterinary practice by positioning vets as key contributors to environmental sustainability, food system resilience and public health. By founding Vet Sustain, which supports veterinary professionals to become leading forces for sustainability, she created the first coordinated platform dedicated to empowering vets to act on sustainability.  

Dr Higham, who graduated from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2008, said: “It is such an honour to receive this award. Sustainability and One Health have become a defining part of my career, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be recognised for work I am so passionate about. I would like to thank BVA for this recognition and congratulate all of the finalists. It is a privilege to be part of a profession that is so committed to creating more sustainable future for animals, people and the environment.” 

British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said: “This new award is presented in memory of our past president and dear friend Dr Simon Doherty, a champion of sustainability and One Health. Laura is very deserving of this inaugural award: her leadership skills are exemplary and her energy and momentum to keep things moving stands out. Vet Sustain helps to empower vets to act on sustainability and work towards protecting wildlife and our planet. Congratulations, Laura, you should be very proud.” 

The BVA Awards recognise inspirational vets from across the profession who: go above and beyond for their patients and clients; support wellbeing and positive workplace culture; drive positive change across sustainability; deliver inspirational leadership and mentoring; and push the boundaries of veterinary science. 

Full list of award winners: 

• BVA Young Vet of the Year, supported by Zoetis – Dr. Anna Hewison 

• BVA Wellbeing Awards, supported by ManyPets:  

• Small medium practice category – Vets for Pets Kirkcaldy 

• Large practice category – Chapelfield Vets 

• Non-clinical category – Sonopath

• BVA Veterinary Mentor Award, supported by Hill’s Pet Nutrition – Sharon Ann King 

• BVA Veterinary Leader Award, supported by Vetnique – YuMOVE Veterinary – Paul Horwood 

• BVA One Health and Sustainability Award: Dr Laura Higham 

• BVA Outstanding Service Award: Cat Henstridge 

• BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award – Professor Tom McNeilly 

• BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award (J. Trevor Blackburn Award) – Dr Romain Pizzi 

• Vet Record Impact Award: Rosemary Perkins, Gaëtan Glauser and Dave Goulson 
• WVS Global Veterinary Challenge, in association with BVA: Shreya Patel, Rudi Bruijn-Yard and Francesca Haldane 

On the awards, British Veterinary Association President Dr Rob Williams MRCVS said:

“The BVA Awards shine a light on the vital contribution vets and vet teams make in their communities and society at large; celebrating those who go the extra mile, who are outstanding in their fields; who show compassion and support for their colleagues; and make significant contributions to the health of both animals and people. We’re so proud to be able to recognise their achievements and dedication and wish sincere congratulations to all our 2026 award winners.”