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University to offer research 'tasters'
Scientist looking down microscope
Vets will be offered the chance to spend six months doing research in the University of Bristol's medical labs.
Full-time vets offered chance to spend six months doing research

The University of Bristol's School of Veterinary Science, in association with the University's Elizabeth Blackwell Institute, is offering veterinary clinicians the opportunity to spend six months doing research in their medical labs.

The tasters are designed to provide practicing vets with experience of working full-time in a research environment, and to inspire them to consider a career in research.

Supported by The Wellcome Trust, the scheme will be offered on a competitive basis. Successful recipients will receive six months of salary and research expenses, allowing them to come out of clinical practice and spend a concentrate period of time carrying out high quality research.

In its first year, the scheme funded two vets, Darren Carwardine and Cath Lewis, who enjoyed the experience of research so much that they are now studying for a PhD.  

Commenting on the scheme, Darren said: "Working as a practicing vet I had no plans to undertake any formal research training but the clinical primer scheme was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience I was fortunate enough to be able to continue with the research I had started whilst studying towards a PhD."

Now in its second year, vets Susan Armstrong, Sarah Hughes and Jo Widdecomes are all enjoying their research projects and actively looking for PhD placements.

Susan said: "The Clinical Primer has been an invaluable opportunity to experience high-end research within the enabling environment of UOB. My goal now is to achieve PhD funding."

The third round of clinical primers is now open for applications.  For further information about the scheme and to apply for this round of funding visit: www.bristol.ac.uk. Closing date is March 6, 2015.

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Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

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News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk