Dr. William R. Lance was a pioneer in the field of safe capture and immobilization of wildlife who left an astonishing and global legacy.

In recognition of his contribution to wildlife, the William R. Lance Award has been established to honor Bill’s innovative contributions that transformed the science and practice of capture, handling, immobilization, and anesthesia for managed and free-ranging species, as well as his capacity to forge collaborative relationships among organizations and individuals.

This award, to be given annually, will recognize, reward, and encourage an early-career professional who has conducted and published innovative research on the humane and safe capture, handling, immobilization, or anesthesia of managed or free-ranging species, and who has sought to build collaborations and cooperation in the pursuit of their work.

Nominations for the William R. Lance Award are NOW CLOSED for 2026.

Further award criteria and application materials can found here.

The award is administered by a collaboration of the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians, the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, the American College of Zoological Medicine, and the Wildlife Disease Association.