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Mind Matters invites research abstracts for symposium
Louise Allum is chair of MMI.
The symposium will take place in October 2025.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) is inviting researchers from around the world to submit abstracts for its 2025 veterinary mental health research symposium.

MMI's fifth symposium is set to take place on 10 October 2025 at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, and will focus on the theme of ‘Advancing veterinary mental health research: learning from the past, considering the present, and looking to the future’.

Researchers at any career stage can submit an abstract for either oral presentation or poster presentation. The abstract must be linked to at least one of MMI's strategic areas of focus for 2025:
  • Veterinary professionals’ suicide prevention  
  • Veterinary occupational stressors (including trauma and burnout)
  • Mental health in veterinary education
  • Veterinary workplace leadership and mental health
  • Veterinary professionals’ mental health and equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
Next year will also mark 10 years since MMI was launched to improve the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals.

Louise Allum, MMI chair, said: “It is of vital importance that we can collectively learn from recent endeavours to work out how we can collaborate towards creating a brighter future for the professions.

“It is only through events such as our symposia that we can start to understand where those vital research gaps lie, as well as what actions we need to take next in order to advance our understanding of veterinary mental health.
 
“Our symposium presents a fantastic opportunity for knowledge exchange in the veterinary mental health research sphere so that, together, we can continue to foster a compassionate environment and build a solid evidence-base for veterinary mental health research to grow and evolve.”

The deadline for submitting an abstract in 28 February 2025. Details about how to submit can be found here.

Image © RCVS

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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...
News Shorts
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.