Award for young bioveterinary scientist
A UK veterinary student has won the Alltech Young Scientist Award competition for her bright scientific thinking.
Bioveterinary science student Becca McLean, from Harper Adams University in Shropshire, won by submitting a scientific paper on Strepococcus equi superantigens (bacterium).
The study had been part of her final year project, which showed that she is capable of writing a sound academic research paper.
Ms McLean will receive a trophy, certificate and a commemorative memory stick in recognition of her achievement.
"I entered the competition after Alltech came to speak to students at the start of the academic year," she said. "I was also encouraged by my lecturer, Dr Sandy Mackenzie."
Describing herself as "extremely chuffed" about winning against numerous UK undergraduate competitors, Ms McLean hopes the award will benefit her in the future.
"I want to peruse a career in research, therefore I hope this award will be recognised when I apply for PhDs at various universities."
Every year the competition takes place at the annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium, at the Alltech headquarters in Kentucky, USA.
Entrants are asked to submit their paper on either veterinary science, animal nutrition, feeding technology, agricultural developments or agricultural management.
Livestock keepers are being urged to stay vigilant for Bluetongue (BTV-3) following confirmation of the disease in a ewe. The case, confirmed in Staffordshire on 23 June 2026, represents the first confirmed case of infection this summer.
