Mind Matters extends application deadlines
"Mental health research is of critical importance and forms a significant part of our work at MMI" – Lisa Quigley.
The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has extended upcoming deadlines for two of its initiatives for supporting the development of research into mental health in the veterinary sector, allowing researchers more time to submit their proposals.
The application deadline for the Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant has been extended to 5pm on Thursday, 15 June. Worth £20,000, the grant was set up in memory of veterinary surgeon, RCVS council member and mental health campaigner Sarah Brown to fund research into veterinary mental health.
The deadline for researchers to apply to share their work at this autumn’s Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium in Manchester has also been extended, with the deadline now Thursday, 1 June. Researchers into veterinary mental health and wellbeing are invited to submit abstracts of up to 250 words and, if selected, can choose either to give a 15-minute presentation or present a poster to be displayed at the venue.
For both opportunities, the RCVS is keen for researchers at any stage of their career, and from any background, to apply.
Mind Matters manager Lisa Quigley said “Mental health research is of critical importance and forms a significant part of our work at MMI.
“Since our inception, we have seen substantial growth in the number of veterinary mental health research projects coming to fruition and are proud to be supporting researchers in any way we can.
“Our Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant is now entering its fifth year and it has been really rewarding to see the impact that these projects have had, both in theory and practice. Past topics have included neurodiversity, moral injury and racism, to name a few, and we look forward to funding more important research this coming year.
“Our symposium is of equal importance and brings together veterinary researchers from across the globe to share their work. The winner of our 2023 Sarah Brown Mental Health Research Grant will also receive their award at the symposium, and previous winners will also be in attendance to present their research. The symposium offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase all the vital work currently taking place in the veterinary mental health research field, and we strongly encourage anybody working on a relevant project to get involved.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
