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Defence Chiefs Could Learn From Darwin
The dynamic nature of modern security threat such as global terrorism requires a flexible response - and nations should mimic the way biological organisms evolve in response to their changing environment, researchers from the University of Edinburgh say.

The experts say that by adopting Darwinian principles of adapting to best suit an environment, nations could capitalise on their opponents’ mistakes and win conflict with flexibility instead of power.

A major conference held in Edinburgh earlier this week heard how the principle of competition and survival in nature could help nations develop flexible and speedy defence systems for conflicts in the 21st century.

Researchers say the process of adaptation, which explains how biological organisms reproduce and change over many generations, could inform defence strategy because it offers ideas for building organisations and strategies that track competitors shifting tactics and capitalise on opponents weaknesses.

Experts say that the primary security threats today do not follow systematic or predictable patterns so without a flexible and effective response battles and wars may be lost because we will be 'out adapted' by our enemies. The question is how to adapt faster than competitors.

Dr Dominic Johnson, from the School of Social and Political Science at the University of Edinburgh, said: "The history of life on earth has tried and tested far more adaptive strategies than militaries could ever hope to. They are all around us to see and their secrets have been extensively studied. We would be wise to identify the most successful strategies and apply them to the fight against insurgency and terrorism."

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FIVP announces third series of Practice Matters

News Story 1
 The Federation of Independent Veterinary practices (FIVP) has announced a third season of its podcast, Practice Matters.

Hosted by Ian Wolstenholme, series three will focus on the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation, including a discussion about some of the expected impacts on independent veterinary colleagues.

Episode one launches on 13th January with guests Drs David Reader and Scott Summers, who will draw on their research into the CMA investigation and provide insights into themes such as transparency, pricing and consumer trust.

Ian Wolstenholme said: "In its third series, we will try and hone in on what the changes will mean in reality for independent practices with advice and guidance on implementation and delivery, drawing on the experience of our own team and other experts in the profession. Hope you can join us soon!" 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk