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Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant open for applications
“It’s only by improving the veterinary mental health evidence base that we will be able to hone the interventions and support that is available to members of the veterinary team” - Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO.
Grant to fund research that focuses on mental health and wellbeing within the profession

The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative is accepting applications for the first Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant, named after an RCVS Council member who tragically passed away in 2017.

Starting this year, one £20,000 grant will be awarded each year for five years to fund research that focuses on mental health and wellbeing within the veterinary professions. This will include areas such as prevention, diagnosis, intervention and treatment.

Individuals at all stages of their research careers - including those not previously published - are invited to apply for the grant. Research proposals should relate to any aspect of mental health or wellbeing in the veterinary profession.

RCVS CEO, Lizzie Lockett, says: “Sarah Brown was a talented veterinary surgeon who was passionate about her profession. She was respected and loved by so many people and worked hard to support others. So it is fitting that, with the blessing of Sarah’s family, we are able to launch this grant in her memory.

“It’s only by improving the veterinary mental health evidence base that we will be able to hone the interventions and support that is available to members of the veterinary team.”

Grant applicants should send their research proposal, together with a CV and short biography for all lead researchers to Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative manager, by 5 pm on Friday 31 May 2019.

Applicants must be affiliated with a university and have ethical improve in place. Proposals should be no longer than 3,000 words including aims, methods, ethical considerations, proposed timelines and a biography.

The winner of the grant will be decided in June 2019, with the winner receiving their award at Royal College Day in London on Friday 12 July 2019.

Guidance on how to prepare a research proposal is available at https://esrc.ukri.org/funding/guidance-for-applicants/how-to-write-a-good-research-grant-proposal/

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.