MARS Equestrian™ Veterinary Research Scholar 2024 – 2026

A Unique Two-center Training Opportunity

New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and the Royal Veterinary College (UK) in collaboration with MARS Equestrian™ is seeking a motivated, enthusiastic candidate interested in pursuing training in equine research and welfare. The program is open to US and international candidates holding a veterinary degree (DVM/VMD/BVSc or equivalent).

The overarching goal of this program is to improve the health and welfare of the horse by providing mentorship and training to a veterinary investigator interested in developing their equine knowledge and research skills.

• The MARS Equestrian™ Veterinary Research Scholarship provides a unique research-training platform for a veterinarian who is interested in improving equine health and welfare.
• New Bolton Center at Penn Vet and the Royal Veterinary College are centers of excellence at the forefront of animal health and together with MARS Equestrian™, will continue to drive the field forward in creating a better world for horses by engaging and training the next generation of veterinarians.
• This unique two-year program will provide research and animal welfare training within the supportive environments of two dedicated research and clinical centers.

The aims of this program will be achieved in part by the candidate completing a research project and the Graduate Certificate in Animal Welfare and Behavior program at New Bolton Center during year one, followed by completion of a second research project and the Master of Research (MRes) program at the Royal Veterinary College in year two. There is an annual stipend that runs throughout the entire length of the program.

Program Objectives

• Cultivate a broad understanding of equine research

  Cultivate a broad understanding of equine research through engagement with different researchers at New Bolton Center and RVC. The investigator will develop skills in both basic bench top research and clinical research throughout the program.

• Develop specific research skills

  Develop specific research skills including appropriate literature searching and review; data collection and organization; abstract preparation and submission; oral presentation of research findings; and manuscript preparation. The investigator will also be introduced to statistical analysis and familiarized with grantsmanship and funding mechanisms.

• Execute research projects

  Execute research projects during year 1 (New Bolton Center) and year 2 (RVC), the findings from which ideally will be submitted for abstract presentation at a national meeting and submitted as a complete manuscript.

• Complete the Graduate Certificate in AWB

  Complete the Graduate Certificate in Animal Welfare and Behavior at PennVet during the first year of the program.

• Complete Master’s of Research

  Complete Master’s of Research at the Royal Veterinary College during the second year of the program.