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Vet school promotes eight staff members to professor
The new professors represent a wide range of specialisations.
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has celebrated their contributions to vet science.

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies has promoted eight members of staff to the title of ‘professor’.

The veterinary school says that these promotions recognise the new professors’ contributions to research, teaching and clinical activities.

It adds that the newly appointed professors represent a wide range of specialisations and offer significant expertise and knowledge to the school.

Among those who received a professorship was Kelly Blacklock, personal chair of small animal soft tissue surgery. Prof Blacklock has a research interest in surgical oncology, particularly canine oral melanoma.

Also promoted to professor is Claudia Hartley, personal chair of veterinary ophthalmology. Her research focuses on ophthalmic diseases of bears which have been kept for bile farming, in the pet trade or as dancing bears for tourists.

Tiziana Liutu’s professorship recognises her work with diagnostic imaging. Prof Liutu centres her research on Computed Tomography (CT) imaging and how it can be used to detect dental disease in horses and cattle.

Samantha Lycett’s promotion to professor celebrates her contributions to pathogen phylodynamics.

In her research, Prof Lycett models the evolution of viruses and bacteria over time in different locations and host species using genome sequences. She focuses on animal and zoonotic pathogens, particularly avian influenza.

Prof Lisa Boden, who is the head of school at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: “I would like to offer warm congratulations to our new professors and their colleagues, families and friends that supported them along the way. Promotion to professor is a huge achievement both professionally and personally.

“I am also delighted to see the high proportion of women represented at this level of leadership within the School and College.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.