The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) PetSavers has partnered with the Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSoc) and The Debs Foundation, to jointly fund two new specialist clinical research project grants, each offering up to £10,000 of funding.
BSAVA PetSavers funds clinical research specifically designed to advance knowledge of conditions affecting small animals kept as pets, with the aim of advancing the understanding of the cause and/or management of a clinical disorder. The projects are selected in the hope that study results will have a rapid and positive impact on the way diseases are diagnosed, managed and treated in general practice, as well as at a specialist level.
SAMSoc was established in 2003 and aims to advance the knowledge of small animal clinical medicine within the UK veterinary profession and public. Its ultimate objective is to improve the quality of life of cats and dogs affected by medical conditions by promoting high standards of clinical care applicable to primary care and referral veterinarians and nurses.
The Debs Foundation is a CAF charitable trust set up in memory of veterinary surgeon, Debs Gittleson. The foundation’s aim is to support charities that reflect the causes Debs believed in and advocated for, in particular those with an emphasis on animal welfare and mental health.
Christopher Scudder, research and mentor liaison from SAMSoc said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity alongside BSAVA PetSavers and hope that the research during this clinical project can help towards our mission of improving the welfare of cats and dogs affected by medical conditions. This joint funding enables us to help an individual take the next steps in their career, and we are very proud to be part of it.”
David Gittleston, Debs’ brother and one of the founders of the trust, said: “The Debs Foundation is thrilled to establish a joint grant with PetSavers for clinical research in the specific area of pain management. We have been hugely impressed by the quality, rigour and impact of the research we have supported to date and are delighted to create this new award, which is in a topic that Debs herself wrote a book on for veterinary nurses and technicians.”
The two new grants add to the existing BSAVA PetSavers portfolio of clinical research grants, which also includes a partnership with the Veterinary Cardiovascular Society. Annualy, this jointly funds up to two projects of up to £10,000 each in the field of cardiovascular medicine in companion animals.
Applications for all BSAVA PetSavers Clinical Research Projects opened on 1 October 2021 and will close on 31 January 2022. Applications can be made by veterinary practitioners or academics, and joint applications are welcome. To find out more about the grants, visit the BSAVA PetSavers website.