The power of veterinary science to be showcased at forthcoming Fellowship Day

The crucial role of the veterinary surgeon in preparing for the outbreak of disease in animals and humans, and in dealing with emergencies and disasters, will be discussed and debated at the forthcoming RCVS Fellowship Day, a showcase of the breadth and depth of veterinary science and excellence.

The 2024 Fellowship Day will be hosted on Thursday 28 November 2024 at One Great George Street in Westminster. This takes place once a year and acts as an opportunity for Fellows to meet and exchange their views and ideas and network with colleagues. The day will also see the formal welcome of this year’s 48 new Fellows.  

Amongst the highlights of the day will be: 

• Fellows of the Future presentations: this will see three undergraduate and/or postgraduate students present their research to assembled guests, with a judging panel of RCVS Fellows then choosing a winner for the competition. Up to ten other student research projects will be displayed in digital poster format which will be displayed on screens during break periods.  
• Keynote speaker: Fellowship Day attendees will hear from guest speaker Peter Cairns, Executive Director of Scotland: The Big Picture, a charity that works to make rewilding happen across Scotland, in response to the growing climate and biodiversity crises. Against a backdrop of stunning imagery and video, Peter will be showcasing a series of rewilding case studies from across Scotland.  
• Panel discussions: attendees will have the opportunity to choose between two dynamic panel sessions which will discuss crucial topics relevant to the professions. Session One will focus on ‘Preparedness for Disease Outbreak’ and will be led by panel members Dr David Black FRCVS, Managing Director of the Paragon Veterinary Group in Cumbria; Dr Tiffany Hemming FRCVS, epidemiologist and medical intelligence expert; Professor Fiona Tomley, Plowright Prize winner and virologist; and, Professor James Wood FRCVS, epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge. Session Two is titled ‘The Critical Role of Veterinary Professionals in Emergencies and Disasters’, and will be led by panel members Jim Green, Director of Operations at the British Animal Rescue and Trauma Care Association (BARTA); Adam Mugford FRCVS, Chief Medical and Development Officer at the BSA Animal Blood Bank; and Patrick Pollock FRCVS, Professor of Veterinary Surgery and Remote and Rural Medicine. These topics will be the starting point for Fellowship work over the next year with lots of opportunities to be involved.  

The day will be hosted by Dr Niall Connell FRCVS (pictured), Chair of the RCVS Fellowship Board, who said: “This is looking to be an absolutely fantastic occasion, a chance to discuss and debate some crucial topics facing both the veterinary professions and wider society and gain an understanding of the future of veterinary research. I expect anyone who attends will be leaving with brand new knowledge and perspectives.  

“I look forward to meeting our new Fellows and their loved ones, my colleagues on the Fellowship Board and all our students, panel members and guests in what I am sure will be a very convivial and stimulating atmosphere.”  

The newly elected Vice-Chair of the Fellowship Board will also be announced at Fellowship Day.  

New RCVS Fellows and their family members will be able to attend the day for free. 

Details on how to purchase tickets for Fellowship Day can be found on the event's dedicated webpage.