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Mind Matters extends application deadlines
"Mental health research is of critical importance and forms a significant part of our work at MMI" – Lisa Quigley.
Researchers into veterinary mental health invited to apply.

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has extended upcoming deadlines for two of its initiatives for supporting the development of research into mental health in the veterinary sector, allowing researchers more time to submit their proposals.

The application deadline for the Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant has been extended to 5pm on Thursday, 15 June. Worth £20,000, the grant was set up in memory of veterinary surgeon, RCVS council member and mental health campaigner Sarah Brown to fund research into veterinary mental health.

The deadline for researchers to apply to share their work at this autumn’s Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium in Manchester has also been extended, with the deadline now Thursday, 1 June. Researchers into veterinary mental health and wellbeing are invited to submit abstracts of up to 250 words and, if selected, can choose either to give a 15-minute presentation or present a poster to be displayed at the venue.

For both opportunities, the RCVS is keen for researchers at any stage of their career, and from any background, to apply.

Mind Matters manager Lisa Quigley said “Mental health research is of critical importance and forms a significant part of our work at MMI.

“Since our inception, we have seen substantial growth in the number of veterinary mental health research projects coming to fruition and are proud to be supporting researchers in any way we can.

“Our Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant is now entering its fifth year and it has been really rewarding to see the impact that these projects have had, both in theory and practice. Past topics have included neurodiversity, moral injury and racism, to name a few, and we look forward to funding more important research this coming year.

“Our symposium is of equal importance and brings together veterinary researchers from across the globe to share their work. The winner of our 2023 Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant will also receive their award at the symposium, and previous winners will also be in attendance to present their research. The symposium offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase all the vital work currently taking place in the veterinary mental health research field, and we strongly encourage anybody working on a relevant project to get involved.”

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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...
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.