RCVS Trust launches 2010 grants round

The 2010 RCVS Trust Grants round is now open. Grant amounts ranging from less than £1,000 to up to £20,000 are on offer to support UK veterinary education and research.

Adam Gow MRCVS completed a comparative study on the effects of corticosteroids on canine and human bone in July 2009 thanks to £2,220 from the RCVS Trust.

Mr Gow said: "I am grateful to the RCVS Trust for funding this project. Not only has it provided me with experience in a research laboratory, but the results of the study will also be extremely useful in characterising the effect of steroids on canine bone as well as further identifying the cause of glucocorticoid-induced osteopenia in humans."

RCVS Trust Director Cherry Bushell commented: “Even though a research project is of a high quality, it can still be difficult to find funding and the RCVS Trust is an important source of research grants in the field of UK veterinary science and education.

“Since 2005, the Trust has invested over £2.5 million in veterinary education and research, and projects to improve animal welfare in the UK and overseas.”

Funding is available for projects and equipment that meet the following criteria:

• Blue Sky Research – for veterinary surgeons to test and explore innovative ideas which may not attract funding from other sources. Maximum grant: £20,000 over two years.
• Small Grants – open to veterinary surgeons and Listed/Registered Veterinary Nurses. Funds projects that meet well-defined objectives in veterinary science and medicine, animal care and welfare, veterinary education and/or professional development. Maximum grant: £5,000.
• Spencer-Hill Equipment Grants – open to UK veterinary schools and UK RCVS approved HE veterinary nurse course providers. Buys equipment for teaching the treatment and care of animals. Maximum grant: £5,000.
• Travel Scholarships – for veterinary surgeons and PhD students at UK vet schools. To enable them to attend international veterinary conferences or pursue themes of clinical or non-clinical research by visiting veterinary or medical centres or research institutes abroad. Maximum grant: £1,000.
• EMS Vacation Research Scholarships – for UK veterinary undergraduates to undertake a research project in the UK or overseas as part of each UK vet school’s EMS requirement. Can be used for travel, accommodation and related expenses. Maximum grant: £1,000.

The deadline for receipt of grant applications by the Trust is 5pm on Friday 29 January 2010, except for EMS Vacation Research Scholarships, the deadline for which is 5pm on Friday 12 March 2010.

Full details and application forms can be downloaded from the Trust website.