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Funding to support research into human-animal bond
"Human-animal bonds are dynamic relationships between people and animals" - Dr Elizabeth Ormerod.

Projects exploring companion animal loss will be considered

A three-year funding programme to enable research into the human-animal bond has been announced by the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS).

The programme will prioritise animal-assisted interventions (particularly with children), the human-companion animal relationship and cross-disciplinary working. Projects exploring companion animal loss and the bond-centred veterinary practice will also be taken into consideration, as will those that consider older people, children or people with diverse needs.


Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, SCAS chairman, explains: “Human-animal bonds are dynamic relationships between people and animals. They are usually symbiotic, providing psychological and physical benefits to both parties. Research projects, such as those we will be funding, are essential to add to the growing evidence base which can be key to encouraging such relationships, and also to supporting these if under challenge.”

The funding will consist of five x £10k maximum pump priming research awards, 2 x £1.5k undergraduate student project awards and a £1.5k maximum award to support open access publication.

Applications are now open and close on 31 March 2020. Visit www.scas.org.uk for further details and information on how to apply.

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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.