Royal award recognises SRUC’s “unsung heroes”
Linda Hanna, Anne Seaton and Wayne Powell with the Queen’s Anniversary Prize medal
Representatives from SRUC have been presented with a prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education at Buckingham Palace.
The award, which was presented by her Majesty the Queen, recognises the institution’s contribution to animal welfare, veterinary science, education, research and the economy through its world-class Veterinary Services network.
It also cements SRUC’s credentials in veterinary services as it prepares to open Scotland’s first new vet school in 150 years and continues its journey to gaining taught degree awarding powers.
It is the second time in six years SRUC has received a Queen’s Anniversary Prize, which is the highest form of national recognition open to educational institutions in the UK.
Principal and Chief Executive Professor Wayne Powell attended the ceremony at the Palace with Head of Veterinary Diagnostic Services Anne Seaton and SRUC Board Chair Linda Hanna.
He said: “This accolade reflects the work of some of our unsung heroes – our researchers, technicians and scientists who have committed themselves to safeguarding animal health and welfare.
“It is the second time SRUC has received this prestigious prize, highlighting our long-term commitment to science, technology and innovation with application to benefit society.
“It is particularly important and significant to receive this award in a year when we will be taking another step forward with the launch of our new vet school. This will be fully integrated with Veterinary Services to increase the likelihood of having a sustainable pool of future vets better placed to support practices in remote and rural parts of Scotland, and equipped to improve productivity in future farming systems, support Scotland’s world leading food and drink sector and address global challenges such as sustainable food production.”
SRUC was one of 22 prize winners across the UK recognised at a dinner at Guildhall in London, hosted by The Royal Anniversary Trust, and the formal investiture at Buckingham Palace this week.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I want to say a huge congratulations to the winners of the 2022-2024 Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education.
“The UK has a long and proud history of research, discovery and excellence in education and training. I am delighted that the 2022-2024 winners are continuing that tradition. The sheer breadth and variety of the work is impressive. In health, robotics, space, engineering, sustainability, animal welfare, photonics, skills and training, the English wine industry and more, you are pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.
“Thanks to your ingenuity, your dedication, and your hard work we are making real progress in science, transforming public health, growing the economy, and improving and enriching people’s lives.”
Sir Damon Buffini, Chair of Royal Anniversary Trust, said: “The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education are an integral part of our national Honours system, shining a light on the groundbreaking work taking place in universities and colleges across the UK.
“All 22 prize winners demonstrate excellence, innovation and impact, with many tackling some of the toughest problems we as a society face today. They are to be commended for reaching this pinnacle of achievement in the tertiary education sector.”
For more information about the award visit: https://bit.ly/SRUCQAP2023
Posted by SRUC on 23/02/2024
