RCVS Fellowship Science Advisory Panel seeks new recruits

The Fellowship of The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons is looking for members of the veterinary profession to join its Science Advisory Panel.

The panel is responsible for reviewing evidence and providing scientific advice and guidance to the Fellowship and the wider profession on topical issues. It is also required to respond to research requests from the RCVS Council as part of their activities. The main Science Advisory Panel oversees the work of the subgroups. The three topics currently being explored with assigned subgroups are: 

• the Animal Behaviourism Working Group - looking at whether animal behavioural therapy constitutes an act of veterinary care; 
• the Net Zero Surgery (Surgical) Group - looking at how to reduce the carbon footprint in surgical procedures; 
• and the Net Zero Surgery (Medicine) Group - looking at how to reduce the carbon footprint by exploring the ways in which preventative and diagnostic intervention can reduce the need for surgical care.

The main panel then reviews the research by the subgroups to make recommendations and will advise on scientific issues relevant to recognised veterinary practice and report to the RCVS Council. In order to join the Fellowship Science Advisory Panel, you must be an existing member of the Fellowship and carry the title FRCVS. However, those wishing to join any of the subgroups do not have to be a current Fellow but must hold an MRCVS. 
 
For those wishing to make a formal application to the Science Advisory Panel, please contact the Fellowship team at [email protected] with a short description of your area of expertise and what you could bring to the role by Friday 21 July 2023. 
 
In addition to seeking new recruits for the Science Advisory Panel, Dr Chris Tufnell FRCVS, current Chair of the Fellowship Board, is also establishing a Fellowship Development Working Group. This is a task and finish group and, once formed, it is intended that the group will meet remotely to consider the future plans and activities of the Fellowship to ensure that it is responding to needs of the professions. 
 
If you are a Fellow interested in joining the Fellowship Development Working Group or would like to find out more about the opportunities available within the Fellowship, please contact the Fellowship team at [email protected]. 
 
Please note, loss of earnings can only be claimed by those sitting on the main Science Advisory Panel. Being part of a Science Advisory Panel subgroup is a voluntary role, as is being a part of the Fellowship Development Working Group - therefore loss of earnings will not be given for either of those activities.