This is the highest honour awarded each year by the AVA and represents peer recognition for many years – often a lifetime – of dedication and service of the highest degree.
Our previous recipients have distinguished themselves with their valued contributions across diverse areas of veterinary science, both in Australia and globally. With their work ranging from research, literature and education, to animal welfare, advocacy and practice management, all recipients of the Gilruth Prize are united by the exceptional impact they’ve had on the veterinary profession.
The Gilruth Prize was established in 1953 to commemorate Dr J A Gilruth one of the founders of veterinary science in Australia. Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne, the first Chief of the Division of Animal Health of the CSIRO, and Administrator of the Northern Territory, Dr Gilruth was an outstanding veterinary authority.
He was known for being an esteemed veterinary scientist and specialist bacteriologist who led the world. He was the President of the AVA in 1933 and received his Honorary Membership in 1936.
The Committee, Judges and Board will look at the outstanding service to veterinary science in Australia across:
It is open to both members and non-members of the Association. The nominee must have brought great credit to the profession or made a major contribution to veterinary science in Australia over many years.
Only one award may be given in any one year and the award will not be given if a suitable recipient cannot be identified.
Nominations may be submitted by the Divisional and Special Interest Group Executive Committees.
Self-nominations will not be considered.
The AVA Awards Committee are responsible for receiving the nominations and ensuring that recipients have been judged as per the criteria.
The AVA Board ratifies the recipients before they are announced to ensure suitability of all recipients.
Secrecy should be maintained in relation to nominations.
It may be necessary to speak with the nominee to obtain information required for submitting but we ask that you do this discreetly and let them know that nominations do not guarantee success.
If not successful, the same nominee can be put forward for a further 2 years following their first nomination.
Please note that these nominations will not occur automatically. Subsequent nominations must be resubmitted to ensure that all relevant information is accurate and up to date.
After 2 years the nominator will have to apply to the Awards Committee (via Peta Bortfield) to request consideration to be able to submit another nomination.
The Awards Committee will not provide feedback on the nominations as they are confidential.