Professor Emeritus Roger Morris has been honored with the prestigious Gilruth Prize by the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) during their awards gala dinner in Brisbane. The event took place on June 8, 2026, where he was recognized for his significant contributions to the dairy and pig industries as both a clinician and a software developer for livestock health and management.
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Throughout his career, Professor Morris has evolved into a global epidemiologist and health economist, advising over 50 countries on animal disease control, including efforts to prevent zoonotic diseases. His notable work includes addressing avian influenza, Ebola, and Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (mad cow disease). He has also been involved with international health organizations and has provided postgraduate training for hundreds of individuals globally.
In 2014, Professor Morris's contributions to epidemiology and disease control policy were celebrated at an international meeting in Chicago, where he received the Calvin Schwabe Award. This event featured presentations from notable veterinary and medical scientists who had trained under him.
Additionally, he is finalizing a multi-author book titled *How to Solve A Mystery Disease*, offering insights on investigating emerging diseases worldwide. Although he retired from academic duties in 2008, Professor Morris continues to engage in various scientific activities at Massey University and beyond.
In another highlight from the AVA, Dr. Charlotte Cantley, who faced challenges in gaining admission to veterinary school, graduated with a PhD on May 18, 2026. Her research focuses on factors that enable veterinarians to thrive in their careers.