Stepping Towards Veterinary Excellence

Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College (London) are set to develop a joint veterinary medicine programme for Wales following an announcement by Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Environment and Rural Affairs.

During a meeting last month at the University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) the Cabinet Secretary announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to explore developing a joint venture in veterinary medical training and research in Wales, focusing on farming and livestock science. Wales does not currently have veterinary education provision. 

“Veterinary education for Wales has long been a topic of discussion and this is an ambition now being realised. This collaboration between Aberystwyth University and the Royal Veterinary College is excellent news for Welsh farmers and to the veterinary profession. It will provide a much needed hub of veterinary expertise right in the heart of our longest established university. This project also meets many of our well-being goals, in particular contributing to a healthy, resilient and prosperous Wales,” Lesley Griffiths said. 

Professor Chris Thomas, AU Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research who is leading the project at Aberystwyth said: "We share the ambitions of the veterinary profession, Welsh Government and the farming industry to secure and enhance animal health in Wales and beyond. We believe Wales needs a model for vet training and science that not only emphasises production animal veterinary medicine but also integrates veterinary service provision, agricultural science, rural community wellbeing, economics and environmental sustainability. Developing this vision in partnership with the RVC is very exciting indeed’.

Professor David Church, RVC Vice-Principal for Learning and the Student Experience who is leading at London said: “Aberystwyth University is one of the leading Universities in the UK with internationally recognised expertise in animal and agricultural sciences. We believe there are real opportunities at numerous levels for The Royal Veterinary College to work with Aberystwyth in developing a veterinary degree programme tailored to the needs of the Welsh farming and animal health industries. We are both proud and excited to be part of this collaborative venture.”