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New grant launched for animal welfare research
Applications close midnight on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
Up to £42,000 is available for a master’s degree.

Applications have opened for a new grant intended to fund master’s degree research into animal welfare.

BSAVA PetSavers has partnered with the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) to offer up to £42,000 to cover a postgraduate student stipend at BBSRC standard rates.

The grant can also cover university fees, equipment and consumables of up to £10,000 depending on the project. A veterinary stipend can be requested.

Primary applications must be made by the prospective supervisor, and can be submitted before or after they have chosen a potential student. Applications close midnight on Wednesday, 15 October.

The applicant does not need to be a veterinary professional. However, they must have an appropriate level of veterinary experience for the project they wish to conduct.

Applications should include a letter of support from the head of department or practice principal. It should also include evidence that ethical approval has been obtained or applied for.

Applicants will be notified if their proposal has been shortlisted at the end of November 2025, with a funding decision made in spring 2026.

Sarah Williams, BSAVA PetSavers fundraising and grant awards manager, said: “We look forward to initiating this funding partnership with AWF. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can further increase our impact in animal welfare and help the next generation of researchers get started in this important field.” 

Julian Kupfer, chair of the AWF board of trustees, and trustee Charlotte Burn continued: “We are delighted to join forces with BSAVA PetSavers to fund a Master of Research postgraduate degree.

“We are aware of the importance and scarcity of research funding especially in disciplines such as animal welfare, so collaborating with BSAVA PetSavers presents an ideal opportunity for researchers in companion animals to focus on the welfare of pets as well as clinical research.”

For more information or to apply, visit the BSAVA PetSavers website.

Image © Shutterstock

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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. 

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News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.