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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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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.