Sixth form studentships

At Bristol we organise very successful weekend conferences annually for school students who are considering applying to study veterinary science, Vetquest. We see this as a big opportunity to encourage students that a career in veterinary research is worthwhile following their veterinary degree and so we plan to increase the research emphasis of the programme by inviting colleagues on this consortium to speak to these school students. In 2003 we introduced a bursary programme to attract students from urban backgrounds, who are not normally exposed to the tremendous opportunities that a veterinary career can offer. We will sustain and expand this scheme by offering short vacation research projects linked to this initiative, but are not seeking funds to do this through this current proposal.

We are amending the undergraduate prospectus so as to promote the value and satisfaction of research as a career more positively. During the admission procedure itself, a proven interest in research, particularly infectious disease research (as evidenced by summer vacation laboratory work or by extramural scientific activity at school) will be a positive factor in favour of selection by Bristol.