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Ethical review guidance published
Image: Lord Sandy Trees
RCVS and BVA aim to assist vets carrying out practice-based research

A working party led by the RCVS and BVA has published guidance on ethical review for vets carrying out practice-based research.

The party, led by Lord Sandy Trees, is made up of representatives and experts from a range of veterinary and research organisations. The published guidance is aimed at assisting veterinary surgeons carrying out practice-based research, who do not have access to the ethical review structure of a university or institute.

Professor Lord Trees explained: "Practice-based research is to be encouraged, and is becoming increasingly common and sophisticated. However, it’s not easy for those in practice to access ethical review support. We hope this report will enable practice-based research to be conducted to the best standards and to protect animals, the public and practitioners themselves.”

The guidance report first explains the difference between clinical practice and clinical research, then focuses on clinical research that does not require Home Office authorisation under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986.

The report recommends that would-be researchers build relationships with veterinary institutes so as to be able to submit research proposals to their ethical review committees.

It is also recommended within the report that the RCVS consider establishing its own ethical review committee, and that the RCVS Recognised Veterinary Practice Committee be expanded and better promoted to the profession.

Commenting on the guidance report, BVA president Peter Jones said: "Many practitioners are involved in clinically-based research and we welcome the guidance given in this joint RCVS/BVA report, which can inform our members of the regulations and best practice required and will enable them to attain high standards in the conduct of such research."

Click here to view the full report.

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VMD invites students to apply for EMS placement

News Story 1
 The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.

Students in their clinical years of study have until 28 February to apply for the placement, which takes place at the VMD's offices in Addlestone, Surrey, from 6-10 July 2026.

Through a mixture of lectures and workshops, the placement will explore how veterinary medicines are authorised, non-clinical career opportunities, and other important aspects of the VMD's work.  

Click here for more...
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