Influential professor in veterinary neurology from Hannover celebrated with prestigious award

Professor Andrea Tipold, Vice-President of Teaching and Head of Neurology at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, has won the Lifetime Achievement award as part of one of the largest and most prestigious veterinary awards in the world, the International Canine Health Awards.

Professor Tipold has won this award in recognition of her exceptional contribution to veterinary neurology research and education across the world. Having dedicated her life to the mission of canine health by developing veterinary neurology, she has had a tremendous impact on canine quality of life.

The continuous influence of Professor Tipold’s research and teaching activities has helped to advance veterinary neurology significantly worldwide. She has published more than 250 publications and her scientific contributions have provided a more in-depth knowledge of the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and control of a wide range of diseases affecting the nervous system of dogs. Professor Tipold’s work ranges from neuro-immunology and Steroid Responsive Meningitis-Arteritis (SRMA) to epilepsy research, introduction of novel antiepileptic drugs into clinics, imaging, genetics and spinal trauma research.

The awards, which are organised by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust and underwritten by a major gift from Vernon and Shirley Hill, founders of Metro Bank, highlight those individuals who go one step further to promote the health and wellbeing of dogs through their work in the world of veterinary science. The winners are chosen by an independent international panel of eminent veterinarians and scientists. The ceremony will take place virtually on Wednesday 30 June at 14.00 BST, and details on how to view will be provided to those who register their interest.

Throughout her distinguished career, Professor Tipold has dedicated her life to the training of veterinary neurologists, veterinary residents, PhD students and she has taught many thousands of veterinary students.
Upon hearing of her award, Professor Tipold said: “I am so grateful and honoured to receive this award. It is such an amazing and great experience and I am so proud. Thank you so much for electing me for this award – receiving this is the achievement which makes me the most proud!”

This year there were six International Canine Health Awards, two of which are open global awards: the International Award, with a prize of £40,000 and the Lifetime Achievement Award, with a prize of £10,000. There are two Undergraduate Student Inspiration Awards for students studying at UK veterinary schools, with a prize of £5,000 each, and the Breed Health Coordinator Award, with a prize of £5,000. In addition, there was also a Special Award with a prize of £5,000.

Commenting on how the award will impact her future work, Professor Tipold added: “The most important impact is that of my lifetime’s work. I will continue to work on SRMA, try to find the reason for this severely painful disease, to help dogs. I also hope to be able to discover more about neuroimmunological phenomena in dogs which will have an impact on treatment regimens.”

Dr Andrew Higgins, Chairman of the International Canine Health Awards panel and trustee of The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which runs the awards, said “We are so pleased to honour Andrea Tipold with the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award, in recognition of her tireless dedication to veterinary neurology research and education to ultimately improve the quality of life for dogs.

“Professor Tipold has influenced so many students and neurologists throughout her career and she really sums up what these awards are all about – recognising excellence. It gives us great pleasure to acknowledge this commendable lifetime of achievements.”

Vernon Hill, founder and chairman emeritus of Metro Bank, and whose major gift underwrites the International Canine Health Awards, said “Congratulations to Professor Tipold for winning the Lifetime Achievement. She is a real inspiration and her dedication and commitment make her an incredibly well-deserved winner.”

Find out more about the International Canine Health Awards.