Training

Veterinarians have a core role to play in promoting animal health and welfare and advising farmers and other key stakeholders in the food chain. But currently very few UK veterinary graduates are entering large animal practice. Even fewer consider a career in veterinary research, especially research on issues of strategic national importance in a veterinary and human health context.

The aims of the initiative are:

• The recruitment of veterinary undergraduates who can develop their interest in infectious disease research through summer vacation research scholarships, intercalation and final year electives.
• The establishment of a clear research career path for veterinary graduates involving 3 and 4 year PhD's and post-doctoral posts.
• The training of a cohort of individuals in analysing and manipulating the interaction between animal welfare, behaviour, immunity and susceptibility to disease, an issue not addressed elsewhere in the U.K.
• Transfer of the knowledge gained during this initiative to veterinarians, farmers and food producers and retailers.

Sixth form studentships
Undergraduate vacation scholarships
Intercalation places
Final year electives
Three- or four-year postgraduate studentships
Four-year postdoctoral fellowships
Research study leave for veterinary-qualified academic staff