The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) – together with the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet) and MARS Equestrian – has launched a new, international Veterinary Research Scholarship programme aimed at advancing the health and welfare of horses while providing an unparalleled learning experience for one aspiring veterinary investigator. The deadline for applications is 15 March 2022, giving interested candidates just two more weeks to apply for this prestigious scholarship.
Through its interdisciplinary, mentorship-based approach, the MARS Equestrian Veterinary Research Scholarship programme offers the unique opportunity to conduct research alongside internationally renowned experts in equine health and veterinary welfare while pursuing two advanced credentials: the Graduate Certificate in Animal Welfare and Behavior at Penn Vet during year one, followed by the Master of Research (MRes) programme at the RVC in year two.
Building upon Penn Vet’s MARS Equestrian Early Career Investigator programme launched in November 2020, this new format offers the candidate an exclusive opportunity to refine critical research skills and expand animal welfare knowledge while learning on location at both the RVC in London, England and Penn Vet’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, United States.
The RVC’s MRes programme gives students the chance to become well-rounded interdisciplinary scientists who can effectively tackle problems of practical relevance to veterinary and medical science. Many of the courses’ graduates go on to work in some of the world’s leading scientific research institutes, as well as within industry and government.
The MARS Equestrian Veterinary Research Scholar programme is open to UK, US and international candidates holding a veterinary degree (BVetMed/DVM/VMD/BVSc or equivalent). The chosen candidate will receive an annual scholarship and tuition as well as travel expenses. The programme will commence in September 2022 in the United States before moving to the UK in October 2023 until its conclusion in September 2024.
Professor Richard Bomphrey, interim vice principal for research at the RVC, said: “I am delighted that the RVC is able to support this new transatlantic initiative for veterinary graduates following a generous donation from MARS Equestrian. It strengthens the ties between the RVC, the University of Pennsylvania and MARS Equestrian while providing an outstanding training and research opportunity. We look forward to welcoming the successful scholar and helping them to make an impact in equine research.”
Penn Vet’s Dr Kyla Ortved, Jacques Jenny endowed term chair in orthopedic surgery and assistant professor of large animal surgery at New Bolton Center, will serve as the primary mentor for the programme’s embedded research project.
Kyla said: “There are two fundamental components to a successful career in the veterinary medicine field: exceptional mentorship and the continuous pursuit of applicable knowledge. The multidisciplinary approach of the MARS Equestrian Veterinary Research Scholarship programme is set to provide both of these cardinal elements through an experiential learning environment that will ultimately culminate in delivering meaningful advancements that will have a very real, positive impact on the lives of our equine partners.”
Dr Bridgett McIntosh, director at MARS Equestrian, said: “MARS Equestrian is thrilled to support this truly unique and innovative international programme unlike anything else offered in veterinary medicine training. Our goal is to continue to drive the field forward in creating a better world for horses by engaging and training the next generation of veterinarians.”
The deadline to submit applications for consideration is 15 March 2022. Interested applicants can find out more about the Veterinary Research Scholarship programme on the RVC website and should submit a CV and letter of intent to Penn Vet’s Dr Kyla Ortved.
