Distinguished fish vet awarded the Queen’s Medal

A renowned fish vet is the recipient of this year’s Queen’s Medal, the highest honour that we can bestow upon a veterinary surgeon.

Professor Randolph Richards CBE (pictured right) is an Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling and has long been an advocate of animal welfare, particularly fish health and welfare.

He is also a member of the editorial board of the Veterinary Record and Vice-Chairman of the Moredun Foundation, a charity that promotes high standards for animal health and welfare through research and education. He was Director of the Institute of Aquaculture from 1996 to 2009, and he currently serves on numerous veterinary committees and advisory groups as well as being a trustee and director of several companies and organisations.

Regarding the award, Professor Richards 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 (GALVmed). Professor Richards was Dr Jeffries’ postgraduate supervisor while he was studying for an MSc 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 our Members 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, our 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.

Professor Richards will receive the Medal on this year’s RCVS Day on Friday 15 July at the Royal Institute of British Architects.