Sheffield Veterinarian Dr Laura Higham Receives BVA Sustainability Award on June 11, 2026

A Sheffield veterinarian, Dr Laura Higham, has been celebrated for her outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability within the veterinary field. On Thursday, 11 June 2026, she was awarded the prestigious BVA One Health and Sustainability Award during the British Veterinary Association (BVA) Awards Dinner held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. This award was introduced in memory of Dr Simon Doherty, a former BVA president who was a strong advocate for sustainability and the One Health concept.

Award Significance

The BVA One Health and Sustainability Award aims to highlight veterinary initiatives that raise awareness and promote action on sustainability issues affecting both animals and humans. Dr Higham was recognised for her exceptional leadership in integrating One Health principles into veterinary practice. This approach positions veterinarians as key players in tackling environmental challenges, ensuring food system resilience, and promoting public health.

Vet Sustain Initiative

One of Dr Higham's notable achievements is the establishment of Vet Sustain, a platform designed to empower veterinary professionals to champion sustainability within their practices. This initiative encourages vets to adopt environmentally friendly practices and consider the impact of their work on wildlife and the planet. Dr Higham's efforts have created a community of like-minded professionals who are committed to making a positive change.

Dr Higham's Response

Upon receiving the award, Dr Higham expressed her gratitude:

“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 a more sustainable future for animals, people, and the environment.”

Smiling woman speaking at a podium during an awards event

Smiling woman in a blue dress holding an award trophy

Three people in formal attire at an awards ceremony

Insights from the BVA President

Dr Rob Williams, the President of the BVA, praised Dr Higham's achievements, highlighting her exemplary leadership skills and her relentless drive to advocate for sustainable practices within the veterinary community:

“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.”

Celebrating Veterinary Excellence

The BVA Awards serve to recognise the vital contributions of veterinarians throughout the UK, celebrating those who go above and beyond in their roles. The awards shine a light on individuals who demonstrate compassion, support for their colleagues, and a commitment to advancing veterinary science. The event saw the recognition of numerous outstanding professionals, including:

• BVA Young Vet of the Year: Dr. Anna Hewison

• BVA Wellbeing Awards:

  • Small Medium Practice Category: Vets for Pets Kirkcaldy

  • Large Practice Category: Chapelfield Vets

  • Non-Clinical Category: Sonopath

• BVA Veterinary Mentor Award: Sharon Ann King

• BVA Veterinary Leader Award: Paul Horwood

• BVA Outstanding Service Award: Cat Henstridge

• BVA Advancement of Veterinary Science Award: Professor Tom McNeilly

• BVA Animal Health and Welfare Overseas Award: Dr. Romain Pizzi

• Vet Record Impact Award: Rosemary Perkins, Gaëtan Glauser, and Dave Goulson

• WVS Global Veterinary Challenge: Shreya Patel, Rudi Bruijn-Yard, and Francesca Haldane