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Peer-Review Mentorship Program launched
If a mentee submits several successful reviews, they may be invited to become an independent reviewer.
The scheme links new peer-reviewers with mentors to build their skills.

A peer-review mentorship program has been launched to support potential peer-reviewers with building their skills.

The program will connect those wishing to become peer-reviewers with an experienced mentor to guide them with improving their skills and progressing their personal development.

The initiative is being led by Veterinary Evidence, an online, open access, peer-reviewed journal published by RCVS Knowledge. The journal aims to improve quality of care by publishing content on evidence-based veterinary medicine and its application in veterinary practice.

Mentors and mentees can register to join the peer-review program, after which they will be partnered up based on their reviewing interests. They will then be assigned a relevant paper by Veterinary Evidence to work through together across three weeks.

The mentee will be guided through the peer-reviewing process, with the mentor providing them with feedback. The combined review can then be submitted.

If the mentee submits several successful reviews, the editor-in-chief may invite them to become an independent reviewer for Veterinary Evidence.

The initiative aims to improve diversity and inclusivity, and encourages reviewers of differing disciplines and backgrounds to apply.

Veterinary Evidence hopes that this will build a broader range of perspectives and expertise in the process, and improve the quality of evidence-based content.

Kit Sturgess, editor-in-chief of Veterinary Evidence, said: “Becoming a mentee is a great way to continue your professional development as it allows you to contribute to the advancement of your field, hone your critical evaluation skills, and boost your own professional reputation.

“Signing up to become a mentor gives you an invaluable chance to enhance your own skills, knowledge and professional development, build meaningful relationships within your area of expertise, and help shape the next generation of veterinary peer reviewers.”

To register, sign-up to RCVS Knowledge’s peer-review scheme and send them an email at editorial@veterinaryevidence.org saying whether you’d like to be a mentor or mentee.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.