RCVS Mind Matters funds research into severe occupational injury
John Tulloch FRCVS (pictured) will lead the project with Dr Tamzin Furtado.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has announced the recipient of this year’s Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) funding.
The £15,000 Impact Grant has been awarded to a research project set to explore mental health and trauma support after severe occupational veterinary injury.
The project is to be carried out by Dr John Tulloch FRCVS and Dr Tamzin Furtado at the University of Liverpool. It will see researchers carry out in-depth interviews to log the experiences of veterinary professionals navigating life after major occupational injuries.
The research team says that veterinary professionals have some of the highest levels of occupational injury of any profession. However, while physical wounds are documented, they say that the long-term psychological, social, and professional effects of those which required hospitalisation are less recorded.
Findings from the project are expected to contribute to better occupational health protocols and peer-support frameworks, leading to a more supported veterinary workforce.
Prof Mark Senior MRCVS, Dean of the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Liverpool, said: “We are proud of Dr John Tulloch and Dr Tamzin Furtado for securing this prestigious RCVS Mind Matters grant. This research addresses an important, often overlooked area of the profession's occupational safety.”
Dr Zara Kennedy, chair of the RCVS Mind Matters, said: “By improving our understanding of the psychological impact of severe workplace injuries, this research aligns with our wider investment into supporting reasonable adjustments.
“It also has the potential to improve workforce retention by helping veterinary professionals remain healthy, fulfilled and able to build sustainable long-term careers within the profession.”
RCVS’ MMI did not award a £5,000 Discovery Grant this year.
Applications for the next round of MMI mental health research grants will open in early 2027. More information about the grants can be found on the Mind Matters webpage.
Image © RCVS
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