Honorary Fellowships for Julie Fitzpatrick and Randolph Richards
The Moredun Foundation was delighted to award two honorary fellowships to Professor Julie Fitzpatrick and Professor Randolph Richards at its AGM held on Thursday 7th of September in recognition of their outstanding contributions.
Professor Fitzpatrick is world-renowned for her work to promote livestock health and welfare and to champion food security. She has recently announced that she is stepping down from her current role as the Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute and Chief Executive of the Moredun Foundation, a post she has held since 2004. Professor Fitzpatrick also has a Chair in Food Security in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences at the University of Glasgow and is currently the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Scottish Government.
Professor Fitzpatrick qualified as a veterinary surgeon from the University of Glasgow’s Vet School, gained a PhD in mucosal immunology from the University of Bristol, and has a master’s degree in Epidemiology through distance learning from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Her work and significant achievements have been widely recognized through her numerous contributions to improving the health and welfare of livestock. She received an OBE for services to Animal Research and Medicine in 2014; was awarded The Royal Smithfield Club Bicentenary Trophy for contributions to Agriculture in 2016; was awarded a Doctorate of Science from Heriot-Watt University in 2013 and from Edinburgh Napier University in 2017; and an honorary Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery by the University of Edinburgh in 2023.
Professor Richards, a world-famous fish vet and Emeritus Professor at the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling, received a CBE for his outstanding work in 2008 and the Queen’s Medal in 2016. Professor Richards is standing down from his role as Vice-Chairman of the Moredun Foundation, where he has made significant contributions to Moredun’s work to support the highest standards of health and welfare in animals through research and education.
Professor Richards served as Director of the Institute of Aquaculture from 1996 to 2009, and currently serves on numerous veterinary committees and advisory groups as well as being a trustee and director of several companies and organisations. He is currently an Emeritus Professor at the University of Stirling. He has played a key role in the development of the Institute of Aquaculture, which in turn has made a major contribution to the economy of Scotland and greatly enhanced Scotland’s reputation throughout the world.
At the AGM, Gareth Baird, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation said, “It is a huge honour to recognise the contribution of two titans of the veterinary world who have been influential in the work of the Moredun Foundation. Their leadership and ground breaking contributions to their respective fields have left an indelible mark on our mission to advance animal health and welfare. In honouring these remarkable individuals, we reaffirm our commitment to continue their work and shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for all.”
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Notes for editors
The Moredun Foundation is a registered charity, with over 10,000 UK members from the farming, veterinary and associated industries. The Foundation works to support animal health and welfare by improving the understanding, treatment and prevention of diseases through research and educational initiatives. The research outputs, knowledge and expertise generated at Moredun are disseminated as widely as possible to bring maximum benefits to the economy and society at large. More information about the work of the Moredun Foundation can be found at www.moredun.org.uk
Image Caption: Professor Julie Fitzpatrick (middle left) is presented with her honorary fellowship from her successor as Scientific Director of the Moredun Research Institute and Chief Executive of the Moredun Foundation, Dr Tom McNeilly (left). Professor Randolph Richards (right) receives his honorary fellowships from Mr Gareth Baird, Chairman of the Moredun Foundation (middle right).
For further information, please contact:
Andrew Kelloe, Knowledge Exchange and Communications Manager: andrew.kelloe@moredun.ac.uk