A leading scientist at The Pirbright Institute, Professor Ian Brown OBE, has been awarded a Gold Medal at the 93rd World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) general session in recognition of his global contribution to understanding influenza.
The annual award is granted to one person worldwide in recognition of their outstanding service in the field of veterinary science and their contribution to the scientific and technological development of WOAH’s activities.
Professor Brown, who leads the Avian Virology group at Pirbright, is internationally recognised for his expertise in animal influenza and Newcastle disease. He has devoted more than 50 years to advancing veterinary virology, disease surveillance and international preparedness.
“His career reflects an exceptional level of service to global animal health and to the scientific and technical work of WOAH,” the Organisation notes in its citation.
Professor Brown’s leading role at Pirbright provides a broad range of disease consultancy at both international and national level to a wide range of stakeholders, specialising in science evidence and laboratory application directly relevant to disease control.
Before joining the Institute, Ian headed the WOAH Reference Laboratories at the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s Weybridge laboratory for avian influenza, Newcastle disease and swine influenza from 1999 until 2024. He led extensive research, diagnostic and surveillance programmes and oversaw large multidisciplinary scientific teams.
Welcoming his award, Ian said:
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Gold Medal. It is an award on behalf of UK science for the global contribution we have made to the control of animal influenza worldwide.”
Long-time friend and colleague, Professor Bryan Charleston MRCVS FRS, director and CEO of Pirbright, said the award recognised a lifetime dedicated to global scientific achievement.
“I am delighted that Ian’s contribution to the global control of influenza infections has been recognised with this prestigious award. Ian has attracted international recognition and respect for his authority on the control of many animal diseases during his long career.”
The gold medal was presented to Professor Brown as part of the 2026 Animal Health Achievement Awards at WOAH’s General Session in Paris.
WOAH President, Dr Susana Pombo and Director General, Dr Emmanuelle Soubeyran, alongside the WOAH World Assembly of Delegates, officially acknowledged the accomplishments of all four award recipients.
“These individuals are being commended for their significant contributions to animal and public health, helping advance a healthier, safer and more sustainable world.”
Professor Brown was a founding member of the OFFLU (WOAH/FAO) network on animal influenza in 2005 and later served as chair of its steering committee. Under his leadership, OFFLU became a recognised international reference body for animal influenza science, contributing to global preparedness and response to high pathogenicity avian influenza.
In its citation, WOAH states: “Throughout his career, Professor Brown has prioritised capacity building, notably through laboratory twinning initiatives that strengthened diagnostic capability in low- and middle-income countries. Awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2019, his legacy continues through sustained international collaboration and scientific mentorship.”
The Pirbright Institute supports the global food chain. Through worldwide disease surveillance and targeted control measures, the Institute helps to tackle global outbreaks and limit spread. For more information about our science, visit our website.