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

New chair appointed for RCVS Ethics Review Panel
The ERP offers an ethics review mechanism for researchers based in practice.
Prof Nicola Menzies-Gow will head the research review process.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has appointed Professor Nicola Menzies-Gow as the new chair of its Ethics Review Panel (ERP).

The ERP, first trialled in 2016, offers an ethics review mechanism for researchers that are based in practice, and therefore do not get this process through university or industry connections.

The subcommittee has been led by Prof David Morton CBE since the trial period was first launched. In this time, the ERP has reviewed more than 530 research proposals.

It will now be chaired by Prof Nicola Menzies-Gow FRCVS, professor in equine medicine at the Royal Veterinary College.

Prof Menzies-Gow has been a member of RCVS ERP for the past three years. She has also had the role of chair of the Clinical Research Ethical Review Board at the Royal Veterinary College.

In this role, Prof Menzies-Gow will lead the panel as it provides ethics reviews for researchers that are working in veterinary practice as they submit clinical veterinary research project applications.

Prof Morton, the outgoing chair, said: “I have been privileged to be a member of the Ethics Review Panel and to be its chair, and have learned much from my fellow reviewers. They certainly have made my job easier.

“I have always tried to ensure that the ERP maintains the highest standards whilst not disheartening the applicants by its reviews.”

The newly appointed chair, Prof Menzies-Gow, said: “I am honoured to be offered this position.”

She added: “It is vitally important that all research, regardless of where it is undertaken, undergoes ethical review to ensure that robust results are produced especially when they have the potential to influence clinical practice, and so I really welcome the work the ERP has been undertaking.

“As chair of the ERP I hope to build on the success of my predecessor and continue to support those working in clinical practice that is not associated with a university to undertake valuable research and add to the body of evidence that supports our clinical decision-making.”

Image © RCVS

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

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.