The British Equine Veterinary Association has launched a new Awards programme to support veterinary students and early-career equine vets. The initiative is all thanks to funding generously provided by Professor Padraic (Paddy) Dixon MVB PhD FRCVS. Paddy, a long-standing BEVA supporter, is a globally respected authority in equine veterinary medicine, celebrated for his pioneering work in equine dentistry and upper airway surgery. His passion for teaching, mentoring and research have left an indelible mark on the veterinary community.
The Paddy Dixon Award Programme will provide financial support for BEVA members to attend recognised veterinary conferences in the UK and internationally, helping them to learn from leading experts, share research and bring new knowledge and ideas back to the equine veterinary community.
The programme comprises two awards:
· The Student Travel Award for BEVA members enrolled on an accredited veterinary degree programme
· The Early Career Travel Award for qualified equine vets that are BEVA members, within their first four years after graduation, including those undertaking internships or early career research roles.
The programme has an annual budget of £10,000, shared between the two awards, with £5,000 initially allocated to each. There will be four application review points each year, with multiple awards available annually. To encourage research and knowledge exchange, priority will be given to applicants presenting an abstract or poster, particularly in areas reflecting Professor Dixon’s clinical interests: equine dentistry, upper airway surgery, sinus surgery and maxillofacial surgery.
The funding year will run annually from 1 November to 31 October, with the first year beginning in November 2026. Successful applicants will receive up to £1500 towards conference attendance and travel.
“It is a privilege to have helped establish this prestigious award,” said Paddy Dixon. “Investing in the new generation of equine vets is fundamental to advancing our profession. By supporting them as undergraduates and in the early stages of their careers, we can foster a lasting commitment to clinical excellence, continuous professional development and the highest standards of veterinary practice. I’d hope that this award programme might, in some small way, help to shape confident, capable and accomplished vets who will make a meaningful contribution to the future of this wonderful profession.”
New Paddy Dixon session at BEVA Congress
Alongside the travel awards, BEVA is introducing a dedicated Paddy Dixon Session at BEVA Congress 2027, creating an annual platform for clinical expertise and advances in the fields that have defined Professor Dixon’s work.
The session will focus on equine dentistry, upper airway surgery, sinus surgery and maxillofacial surgery. Four to five speakers, chosen by the Congress Committee, will have the opportunity to showcase specialist knowledge and encourage the exchange of clinical experience and research.
“Thanks to Paddy’s outstanding generosity, our new Awards Programme opens up considerable opportunities for our members to build their knowledge and skills,” said BEVA President Kate Blakeman. “This, together with our new session at Congress next year, reflect a commitment to developing future generations of equine vets, supporting early-career research and strengthening the profession through continuing education and collaboration.”
The Paddy Dixon Awards are for UK and international students and early career vets who are BEVA members. To find out more and to apply visit The Paddy Dixon Travel Awards BEVA.
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