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Panda experts congregate at Edinburgh Zoo
Tian Tian, Edinburgh Zoo

Symposium held to develop Giant Panda Research Project

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has announced that they are gathering some of the world’s experts together in an effort to develop a five-year Giant Panda Research Project.

The Giant Panda Research Symposium, which will be held at Edinburgh Zoo from September 10–12, will focus on developing a research plan.

It is hoped that the plan will have an impact upon how giant pandas are cared for in zoos and in Chinese reserves.

The plan will focus on five key areas: field ecology, genetic management, artificial breeding and infant panda care, veterinary management and research and cognitive evolution and behavioural research.

Many experts will attend the event including those from RZSS, the China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA), China Conservation and Research for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP), the Chinese Academy of Science and Peking University.

There will also be key individuals from panda zoos, including experts from Smithsonian National Zoological Park, Memphis Zoo and the San Diego Institute for Conservation Research.

Chris West, CEO of the RZSS, said: “This really is ground-breaking research at which RZSS is at the heart. The symposium underlines the society’s aim to continue to be a world leader in conservation, science and education.”

 

Image courtesy of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.