The RCVS Student Community Award

Who can be nominated?

We present this award to people who have shown exceptional commitment to supporting their fellow students or the broader community, beyond their academic environment.  

The award is open to any student currently enrolled on an RCVS-approved course leading to:  

• registration as a veterinary surgeon, or  
• qualification as a veterinary nurse.

How to make a nomination

Anyone can nominate a student for this award - fellow students, academic staff, or community members who have witnessed their contributions. However, current members of RCVS Council and VN Council cannot submit nominations.

When do nominations open? 

Nominations for the 2027 awards open in autumn 2026 - keep an eye out for updates.

Previous recipients

2023

Sophie Oliver
As a final-year student at the University of Nottingham vet school, Sophie was nominated for her role in organising the inaugural British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) Student Congress in 2022. It was the first congress to include students at all UK vet schools, rather than being limited to a single institution.

Legend Thurman
As a student at the Royal Veterinary College in London, Legend was nominated for her work in representing fellow American students studying veterinary medicine in the UK.

2022

Paul Gogerty MRCVS
Paul was nominated for his role in developing a bespoke series of courses teaching nature connection and field skills for fellow veterinary students at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh. The courses encouraged a deeper connection with nature, highlighting the link between time spent in the natural world and improved mental and physical wellbeing.  

Fergus Mitchell
Fergus was honoured for being a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing among fellow veterinary students at the University of Nottingham. He also founded National Vet Student Wellbeing Week in 2021, collaborating with fellow student welfare officers at other UK veterinary schools.

2021

Jack Church
As a fourth-year veterinary student at Surrey Vet School, Jack spent much of 2020 volunteering on a Covid-19 intensive care unit in addition to his studies. In doing so, Jack demonstrated exceptional commitment to public service.

Lavinia Economu
Lavinia was recognised for her early work in establishing diversity and inclusion initiatives that later developed into the successful Animal Aspirations programme. Animal Aspirations seeks to inspire young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and different socio-economic backgrounds to pursue careers in the veterinary professions.