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Charity appoints first 'vet student champion'
Mariella Savage
First-year vet student Mariella Savage will be the inaugural vet student champion.

New scheme aims to create a platform for knowledge sharing
 
The British Horse Society (BHS) has appointed its first 'veterinary student champion' as part of a new drive to forge links between vet students, horse owners and the BHS.

Under the new scheme, a student from the University of Surrey's vet school will be chosen each year to raise awareness about the work going on at the university and within the charity. It will be their job to explore ways for the two organisations to benefit from one another's expertise.

First-year vet student Mariella Savage will be the inaugural vet student champion. She was one of many to apply for the role, but BHS says her knowledge, passion and enthusiasm set her apart.

Commenting on her new position, Mariella said: "I was keen to help create a bridge between my university and the British Horse Society. I feel it will really benefit us as veterinary students, as well as enabling us to share our experiences and the knowledge we are gaining with BHS members."

The inspiration for the scheme came from Dr Teresa Hollands, a senior teaching fellow in veterinary nutrition.

"Veterinary universities provide an amazing opportunity for the work of the BHS to be promoted to a new and important audience," she explained.

"Equally exciting will be the sharing of research being undertaken by veterinary universities and the dissemination of this knowledge to members."

Image courtesy of the University of Surrey

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.