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How will technology impact veterinary practice?
Anthony Roberts, director of leadership and innovation, said ViVet aims to help understand how the market is changing.
New project aims to help vets benefit from the opportunities 

By 2040, experts predict that artificial intelligence will have reached human levels of intelligence. Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, and it could disrupt veterinary practice as we know it.

This was the message from RCVS leaders at BSAVA Congress this morning (5 April), as they launched a new initiative, ViVet, which aims to help the veterinary profession to engage with these challenges and opportunities.

ViVet comes from the latin, meaning 'it will thrive'. The project was inspired by the Vet Futures initiative, which highlighted concerns that the veterinary profession could be left behind if it does not engage with innovation.

Some of the technology now being seen includes telehealth, low cost real-time genomic sequencing, big data, AI and wearables and implantables such as microchips and collars that can measure temperature. Already, veterinary surgeons are being given more data about patients in the form of photographs and videos from clients.

Such technology has the potential to improve animal health and welfare and broaden the service that vets can offer, the college said.

Anthony Roberts, director of leadership and innovation, said ViVet aims to help understand how the market is changing; enable veterinary solutions for the benefit of animal health and welfare; foster innovation; encourage innovators to consider the veterinary profession and help with navigating the regulations.

For more information, see vivet.org.uk

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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.

 

Click here for more...
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.