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Innovation award for animal welfare courses
The on-campus Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare was introduced by Professor David Wood-Gush, one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of large-scale farming on animals.
Edinburgh courses recognised for role in transforming animal care
 
Two animal welfare courses have been recognised for the role they have played in transforming the care of pets, livestock and wild animals worldwide for more than a quarter of a century.

The on-campus and online programmes at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies received the Innovative Developments in Animal Welfare Award from the British Society of Animal Science and the RSPCA.

Over 600 students have completed the on-campus Masters in Applied Animal Behaviour and Animal Welfare, which was introduced in 1990 by Professor David Wood-Gush, who was one of the first scientists to investigate the effects of large-scale farming on animals. It is led jointly by the University of Edinburgh and the SRUC.

According to the university, alumni have gone on to make significant achievements in animal welfare globally, forging careers in research, education, government, veterinary practice and within non-governmental or industry organisations.

The online Masters in International Animal Welfare Ethics and Law was launched in 2012 and graduates have already made notable impacts in legislation and policy changes.

Professor David Argyle, head of the Royal (Dick) Vet School said: “We are committed to training the animal welfare leaders of the future and are thrilled that these programmes, run jointly with SRUC, have been recognised for their success.”

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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.