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 scholarship program 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 March 15, 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 Scholar Program 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) program at the RVC in year two.
Building upon Penn Vet’s MARS EQUESTRIAN Early Career Investigator Program 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 program 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 program is open to US, UK 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 program will commence in September 2022 in the United States before moving to the UK in October 2023 until its conclusion in September 2024.
“I am delighted that the RVC is able to support this new transatlantic initiative for veterinary graduates following a generous donation from MARS EQUESTRIAN,” said Professor Richard Bomphrey, Interim Vice Principal for Research at the RVC. “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 program’s embedded research project.
“There are two fundamental components to a successful career in the veterinary medicine field: exceptional mentorship and the continuous pursuit of applicable knowledge,” said Ortved. ”The multidisciplinary approach of the MARS EQUESTRIAN Veterinary Research Scholar Program 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.”
“MARS EQUESTRIAN is thrilled to support this truly unique and innovative international program unlike anything else offered in veterinary medicine training,” said Dr. Bridgett McIntosh, Director at MARS EQUESTRIAN. “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 March 15, 2022. Interested applicants can find out more about the scholarship program at www.rvc.ac.uk/MARS-research-scholar and should submit a CV and letter of intent to Penn Vet’s Dr. Kyla Ortved at kortved@vet.upenn.edu.
About the Royal Veterinary College
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is the UK's largest and longest established independent veterinary school and is a Member Institution of the University of London. It is one of the few veterinary schools in the world that hold accreditations from the RCVS in the UK (with reciprocal recognition from the AVBC for Australasia, the VCI for Ireland and the SAVC for South Africa), the EAEVE in the EU, and the AVMA in the USA and Canada. The RVC is ranked as the top veterinary school in the world in line with the QS World University Rankings by subject, 2021. The RVC offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences. In 2017, the RVC received a Gold award from the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – the highest rating a university can receive. A research led institution with 79% of its research rated as internationally excellent or world class in the Research Excellence Framework 2014. The RVC provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals and first opinion practices in London and Hertfordshire. Learn more by visiting http://www.rvc.ac.uk.
About MARS EQUESTRIAN™
MARS EQUESTRIAN™ Sponsorship, funded by Mars, Incorporated is the link between our iconic brands and the equestrian community. For generations, Mars has celebrated a rich equestrian heritage, and through purposeful partnerships, MARS EQUESTRIAN is committed to the sport and building an enduring legacy. From world-class competitions across all equestrian disciplines to stewarding the power of horses on society and sustainability, the MARS EQUESTRIAN Brand is dedicated to our purpose to improve the lives of horses, pets, and the people who love them. For more information, please visit www.marsequestrian.com and join us @marsequestrian.