A lecturer from Aberystwyth University's School of Veterinary Sciences has been elected President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA).

Dr Gwenllian Rees is one of the founding academics at Wales’ only School of Veterinary Sciences, where she helps train the next generation of veterinary professionals. The British Veterinary Association is the professional membership organisation representing 19,000 vets across the UK.

Widely respected across the farming and veterinary sectors, she is best known for leading the award-winning Veterinary Prescribing Champions Network on behalf of Arwain DGC, a Welsh Government-funded programme tackling antimicrobial resistance in ruminant livestock.

Commenting on her election, Dr Rees said: “I am delighted to take on the role of BVA President and look forward to representing the profession on behalf of our members. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about supporting the veterinary profession and the animals and communities we serve, particularly in areas such as antimicrobial stewardship, animal welfare and sustainable livestock production. I am proud to represent both Wales and Aberystwyth University in this role, and I look forward to working with colleagues across the profession to help address the challenges and opportunities facing veterinary teams today.”

Professor Darrell Abernethy, Head of Aberystwyth School of Veterinary Sciences, said: “We warmly congratulate Gwen on her election to this prestigious national role. Her leadership, expertise and dedication to improving animal health have had a significant impact across the veterinary profession, particularly through her work on antimicrobial resistance. She is an outstanding ambassador for Aberystwyth University, for veterinary science, and for Wales, and we are delighted to see her contributions recognised at the highest level.”

Alongside her academic teaching role, Dr Rees conducts research combining behavioural science and epidemiology to improve how agricultural communities manage livestock medicines, combat antimicrobial resistance, and control the transmission of parasitic diseases like liver fluke and hydatid tapeworms.