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Final call for MMI abstract submissions
This is RCVS MMI's fifth biennial symposium.
Researchers have until 28 February to share their mental health research.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has made a final call for researchers to share their abstracts for its 2025 veterinary mental health research symposium, with less than a month until submissions close.

RCVS’ Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) must receive all entries before 11.59pm on Friday, 28 February.

This year will mark the MMI’s fifth biennial symposium, which will be hosted at Birmingham’s Eastside Rooms on 10 October 2025. It will provide an opportunity for mental health researchers to submit their research and collaborate with other researchers from around the world and at all career stages.

The theme of this year’s symposium is ‘Advancing veterinary mental health research: learning from the past, considering the present, and looking to the future’. RCVS says that the veterinary profession must collaborate with mental health researchers and other allied professions to improve the mental health of veterinary professionals.

RCVS will be sharing the research projects that it believes to be high quality, that also cover a range of topics relating to mental health and align with its strategic areas of focus.

Researchers can submit their research abstract for either oral or poster presentation. The MMI abstract guide provides information on the submission process as well as entry criteria.

Rapinder Newton, MMI lead, said: “This year is an important milestone for MMI. Not only are we hosting our fifth biennial veterinary mental health research symposium, but it is also our tenth anniversary.

“Evidence based research plays an essential role in our work at MMI. It allows us to shape our understanding, helps us enhance policy and practice, and create support mechanisms specifically tailored to veterinary professionals.”

More details about the symposium and abstract submission can be found on the Mind Matters website, including the abstract submission guide and submission forms.

Image © RCVS

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."