Published: 05 Dec 2019 | Last Updated: 16 Dec 2019 16:13:41

Professor Dominic Wells of the Royal Veterinary College was presented with a prestigious award at the annual Openness Awards in London on Tuesday, 3 December.

Hosted by Understanding Animal Research (UAR), the “UAR Individual Award” was in recognition of Dominic’s outstanding work within the sector to promote the responsible use of animals.

Professor Dominic Wells (Centre)

Each year, the UAR team presents an award to an individual who has consistently gone above and beyond in their work to support openness in animal research. This year, the Individual Award for Outstanding Contribution to Openness in Animal Research was awarded to two recipients – Professor Dominic Wells and Val Summers.

Dominic was nominated for his numerous contributions to the UAR, including regular discussions with the media, MPs and other stakeholders on the use of animals in research, in conjunction with UAR; speaking at an annual press briefing organised by the Science Media Centre; and contributing as a member of the Steering Group for the Concordat on Openness in Animal Research. Part of this recognition also praised Dominic’s roles as Chair of the Animal Sciences Group at the Royal Society of Biology, and Co-Chair of the UK Bioscience Sector Coalition, which represents funders, learned societies and those undertaking research using animals.

Professor Dominic Wells, Professor in Translational Medicine at the RVC said: “I am absolutely delighted to have received this award from Understanding Animal Research and am grateful for the support I have received from the RVC. My contribution to the sector stems from a true passion for animal research and it is an honour to be recognised in this way.”

UAR launched the Openness Awards to celebrate the achievements of the sector in honouring their commitment to the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research. The Openness Awards seek to recognise those individuals who have championed openness on animal research over the years and continue to do so. The Concordat is driven by passionate and committed individuals who work hard to ensure animal research is recognised both within their organisations and among stakeholders and the public.

For more information about research at the RVC involving animals, see Animals in Research

Notes to Editors

For more information please contact:

• Jasmin De Vivo (Jasmin.DeVivo@plmr.co.uk)
• Press Line: 0800 368 9520

About the RVC

• The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London. It was the first in the world to hold full accreditation from AVMA, EAEVE, RCVS and AVBC.
• The RVC is ranked as the world’s number one veterinary school in the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2019.
• The RVC offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences.
• In 2017, the RVC received a Gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – the highest rating a university can receive.
• A research led institution with 79% of its research rated as internationally excellent or world class in the Research Excellence Framework 2014.
• The RVC provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire.