Dr Samuel Thevasagayam, member of The Pirbright Institute Science Advisory Board, has been presented with the prestigious ‘International Award’ from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
First bestowed in 2017, the International Award recognises veterinary surgeons, nurses or laypeople that have worked internationally to improve animal health and welfare, veterinary standards and education in line with the RCVS mission.
After obtaining his Veterinary Medicine degree, Dr Thevasagayam began his career practicing veterinary medicine and teaching before moving on to livestock veterinary research at Pirbright, undertaking a PhD in virology on foot-and-mouth disease virus. He has since held various positions in the pharmaceutical industry, and was the foundation director for the non-profit animal health organisation GALVmed.
Now Deputy Director for Global Development at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Thevasagayam uses his wealth of experience to aid global initiatives that aim to control high impact animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, Rift Valley fever and bovine tuberculosis.
Dr Bryan Charleston, Director of The Pirbright Institute, said: “Sam has dedicated his entire career to enhancing the welfare of animals and the lives of people that rely on them. His commitment to driving forward campaigns which will result in the improvement of global livestock health is truly commendable, and we are fortunate to benefit from the knowledge and experience Sam brings to our Science Advisory Board”.
Image: Dr Thevasagayam receiving the RCVS International Award from President Amanda Boag on Friday 12 July 2019.