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Leading vets and scientists appointed to AWF board of trustees
From L to R: Justine Shotton, Diedre Carson, Charlotte Burn, Romain Pizzi.

Experts will encourage debate around animal welfare issues

Veterinary charity Animal Welfare Foundation has appointed four of the UK’s leading veterinary surgeons and animal welfare scientists to its board of trustees.

Joining nine other experts on the board are zoo animal and wildlife specialists, Romain Pizzi and Justine Shotton; equine vet Deidre Carson; and biologist Charlotte Burn. Trustees play a key role in ensuring that AWF continues to improve on animal welfare by supporting veterinary education, funding research and encouraging debate animal welfare issues.

Welcoming the new trustees, AWF Chair of Trustees Chris Laurence said: “I am delighted to welcome Romain, Justine, Deidre and Charlotte to the AWF board. They bring with them an enormous range of knowledge, skills and expertise, which will be critical to helping us advance our mission and continue to fund quality research, support veterinary education and encourage debate on animal welfare issues.”

Former British Equine Veterinary Association president Deidre Carson commented: “I am passionate about animal welfare, conservation and biodiversity and believe that vets should be leading the way in improving the way animals and our environment are managed.  I am looking forward to working with other enthusiastic and knowledgeable people to progress the work of AWF and to see the results of those efforts.”

Dr Shotton, veterinary services manager at Marwell Zoo, said: “I believe that AWF can make a real and positive difference to the lives of millions of animals, and I want to be a part of that. I’m looking forward to being able to contribute my skills and experience to help progress our understanding of animals to better improve their welfare. I’m also looking forward to engaging in debate around animal welfare issues in order to identify ways forward with initially complex and challenging issues.”

Image (C) AWF.

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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.  

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News Shorts
RCVS members invited to question Council candidates

RCVS members have been invited to submit questions to candidates for this year's RCVS Council election.

With 15 candidates standing for three available positions, vets have been invited to submit a question of their choosing before voting starts. These questions will be collated, with each candidate answering one question of their choice.

It is recommended that members read the candidates' biographies and statements before submitting questions. One question per member can be submitted to vetvote26@rcvs.org.uk before Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

The RCVS Council election is due to start in March.

With only two candidates for two positions on the VN Council, there will be no VN Council elections this year. Meghan Conroy RVN and Lauren Hargrave RVN will begin their three year terms at RCVS' AGM in July.