Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Kennel Club appoints new genetics research manager
Dr Joanna J. Ilska (pictured) has worked as a quantitative geneticist for a number of years.

Dr Joanna J. Ilska specialises in prediction of breeding values for complex traits.

The Kennel Club has announced that quantitative geneticist Dr Joanna J. Ilska has joined the organisation as its new genetics research manager. She replaces Dr Tom Lewis who has moved on to work with Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Joanna was born in Poland and has lived in the UK for 15 years. In 2008, she completed a BSc in Applied Biosciences (Animal Science). She then achieved a Masters in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis at the University of Edinburgh in 2009.

In 2014 she completed her PhD in genomic prediction of breeding values in broiler chickens at the Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh. She then went on to work as a research fellow on a range of projects. She specialises in the prediction of breeding values for complex traits, using large scale genomic data such as whole genome sequences.

Currently, Joanna lives in Edinburgh with another Russian black terrier. She has a keen interest in obedience and nosework and was even part of a team representing Scotland in the Inter-regional Obedience competition at Crufts 2013.

Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at The Kennel Club, said: “We are delighted to welcome Joanna to The Kennel Club.

“With her academic and professional background in quantitative genetics and knowledge of prediction of breeding values for complex traits, coupled with her hands-on involvement as a pedigree dog owner, we feel confident that Joanna will be a great asset to The Kennel Club as well as to the wider dog world.”

Image (c) The Kennel Club.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
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.