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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.
There are two grants available for mental health research.

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.

Image © Shutterstock

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
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UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.