Over the past two years, Dr. Sykes has dedicated countless hours to shaping our scientific programme — liaising with speakers, ensuring smooth session flow, and personally reviewing hundreds of abstracts. Her unwavering commitment and generous volunteer service have been integral to the success of both the WSAVA 2024 World Congress in China and this year’s Congress in Rio. Her actions reflect the spirit of collaboration, excellence and service that define WSAVA’s mission.
“Jane’s dedication has elevated the standard of our scientific programme and enriched the experience for every attendee,” says WSAVA President Dr. Jim Berry. “Her tireless work behind the scenes — often invisible to many — has made a visible difference to all. On behalf of the WSAVA community, I am honoured to recognise her with our inaugural Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Award.”
Dr. Jane Sykes highlighted the value of collaboration within WSAVA, noting: “it has been an incredible opportunity to work with all of WSAVA’s dedicated staff, volunteers, speakers, and corporate partners to deliver outstanding scientific content to veterinarians and veterinary technicians and advancing companion animal care on a global scale. The WSAVA community holds a special place in my heart. I am excited to continue my work with WSAVA’s guidelines groups to advance WSAVA’s mission.”
As we celebrate Dr. Sykes’ achievement, we also honour all volunteers whose expertise and generous service help make our global association stronger and more impactful. With this new award, WSAVA builds a tradition of formally recognising those whose dedication is essential but might otherwise go unacknowledged.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Jane Sykes, recipient of the 2025 WSAVA Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Award, as we look ahead to further breakthroughs and meaningful collaborations in small animal veterinary medicine.