MMI launches 2026 mental health research grants
"By investing in research on veterinary mental health, we can help deliver evidence-based systemic solutions that can make a real difference.” - Rapinder Newton
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has open applications for this year’s Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) research grants.
The college invites applications from mental health researchers at all career stages, providing their projects reflect MMI’s strategic research focus. They must also consider equity, diversity and inclusion.
This year’s areas of focus are: Suicide prevention and self-harm in the veterinary community; mental health in veterinary education and early careers; and veterinary workplaces, leadership and mental health.
The college will seek applications which display relevance, feasibility and originality. Researchers must demonstrate their project’s quality, inclusivity, and a clear potential for impact.
RCVS’ grant programme, which was launched in August 2024, hopes to improve mental health within the veterinary sector through two types of grant.
The Discovery Grant offers £5,000, aimed at postgraduate or early career researchers who are pursuing small-scale studies. The Impact Grant provides £15,000, targeted to more established researchers pursuing medium-sized projects.
Rapinder Newton, MMI lead, said: “As a compassionate regulator and Royal College, we care passionately about those dedicating their careers to upholding animal health and welfare, and public health.
“If we want the veterinary professions - and the wider society it supports - to thrive, we must prioritise the wellbeing of the veterinary workforce. By investing in research on veterinary mental health, we can help deliver evidence-based systemic solutions that can make a real difference.”
Zara Kennedy, MMI chair, added: “Since 2019, MMI has awarded over £195,000 to a range of research projects, and we can see the positive impact this funding has made.
“For example, an MMI-funded project exploring how mental health and wellbeing are built into the learning pathways of student veterinary nurses has led to real, practical outcomes, with data now being used to co-design mental health training webinars, deliver interactive training to VN educators in higher and further education, and evaluate the ongoing impacts.”
More information about the grants and how to apply can be found on the MMI website.
Image © RCVS
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. 
