MMI invites mental health researchers to apply for grant programme
The new grant programme follows the conclusion of the Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ (RCVS') Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has invited mental health researchers to apply for grants through its new veterinary mental health research grant programme.
The programme, launched yesterday, includes two research grants intended for projects which will positively impact mental health in the veterinary sector.
The first research grant, the Discovery Grant, is for £5,000. This is targeted to postgraduate or early career researchers wishing to launch small scale studies.
Meanwhile, the Impact Grant, for £15,000, is for more established researchers developing medium-sized projects.
Applications for the grants must be focused on one of MMI’s strategic areas for focus in 2024/2025. This includes veterinary suicide, veterinary mental health and inclusion, and veterinary leadership.
The new veterinary mental health research grant programme follows the conclusion of RCVS’ Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant.
The Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant was launched in honour of a former RCVS Council member and mental health advocate who passed away in 2017. Since 2019, MMI has provided £120,000 in research grants to support veterinary mental health.
Although the new programme will no longer be known as the Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant, RCVS is keen to continue supporting those in the veterinary industry in its commitment to be a compassionate regulator.
In collaboration with British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support, RCVS conducted a Disability and Chronic Illness Survey. This revealed that 65.7 per cent of those who identified as having a mental health condition felt it impacted their life on a daily basis.
RCVS believes that this demonstrates a need for more research in the veterinary mental health research space.
Rapinder Newton, MMI lead, said: “We are looking for high quality research proposals that display relevance and originality; appropriateness, rigour and inclusiveness; feasibility; and potential for impact with clear outputs.
“Research has the power to create meaningful and long-term systemic change. So, as well as providing the initial funding for projects, we are keen to support our grant recipients throughout their entire research journeys, as far as is reasonable.
“Having the right support plays a key part in amplifying impact, so, whether that be through supporting with recruitment, producing press and media assets, providing insight into the veterinary professions, or general research dissemination, we aim to be a supportive funder.”
The deadline for applications is Monday, 7 October 2024. More information, and an application form, can be found here.
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