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 of RVC College appointed
“I am honoured to take on the role as chair of the RVC Council next year” – Lord Kakkar.
Lord Kakkar will take on the role in 2025.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has appointed Lord Kakkar as the new chair of RVC Council.

He will succeed Baroness Young of Old Scone next year in leading the RVC’s governing body. The Council focuses on the veterinary school’s strategy and compliance requirements, risk and accountability.

A surgeon, academic, and cross-bench peer, Lord Kakkar currently holds several prominent roles, including emeritus professor of surgery at University College London, chair of King's Health Partners, chancellor of the University of Lincoln, and director of the Thrombosis Research Institute.

He was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2022 for his contributions to healthcare and public service. Earlier this year, he was appointed Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of The Garter.

Lord Kakkar said: “I am honoured to take on the role as chair of the RVC Council next year. The RVC is a truly outstanding institution, and it will be a privilege to meet and work alongside such a talented and dedicated team of staff and students.”

Stuart Reid, principal of the RVC, added: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Lord Kakkar and look forward to welcoming him to Council next year. Lord Kakkar’s experience is extensive and is matched by his passion for advancing knowledge through world-class research, providing high quality and groundbreaking clinical services and educating the future generations of vets, scientists and researchers.

“Lord Kakkar joins us at an exciting time for the institution and I know we will benefit from his exceptional knowledge and experience. He takes over from Baroness Young who has led Council with dedication and commitment over the last five years for which we extend a heartfelt thank you.”

Image © Royal Veterinary College

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

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.