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The Robert Burns Humanitarians

Information on the current and previous winners.

Since its formation in 2002, the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award has recognised the dedication, celebrated the selflessness and paid tribute to the sacrifice of each recipient of the award - all exceptional people with incredible stories to tell.

The winner of the 2023 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award is Dr Renuka Ramakrishnan.  On receiving the 2023 RBHA title, Dr Ramakrishnan said "I am humbled and honoured. I am so thankful to God, my family, my patients, and my colleagues across India for this recognition.  To be recognised with an award that bears Robert Burns' name itself is a privilege for me and is very special indeed.  Thank you to South Ayrshire Council and the judging panel who have chosen me for this wonderful award.  I dedicate this award to my leprosy patients and I will always work towards their upliftment in the community.

Dr Ramakrishnan is the latest in a long line of worthy Robert Burns Humanitarian  Award winners:

  • 2023 - Dr Renuka Ramakrishnan
  • 2022 - Dr Digambar Narzary
  • 2021 - Mark Williamson
  • 2020 - Dr Josh Littlejohn MBE
  • 2019 - Jasvinder Sanghera
  • 2018 - Anna Ferrer
  • 2017 - Marcelline Budza
  • 2016 - Dr David Nott
  • 2015 - Olivia Giles
  • 2014 - Blanche Nicolson
  • 2013 - Khalil Dale
  • 2012 - Karen Graham
  • 2011 - Linda Norgrove
  • 2010 - Habib Malik
  • 2009 - Guy Willoughby
  • 2008 - Jonathon Kaplan
  • 2007 - Abi Roche
  • 2006 - Marla Ruzicka
  • 2005 - Pius Ncube
  • 2004 - Clive Stafford Smith
  • 2003 - Yitzhak Frankenthal
  • 2002 - Sir John E Sulston