The RCVS Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) calls on UK and international researchers working in mental health and wellbeing in the veterinary profession to submit their abstracts for the upcoming Mind Matters Mental Health Research symposium in autumn.
The event, which will take place on Tuesday 10th October at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, aims to bring together researchers from across the world interested in all aspects of the mental health and well-being of veterinary professionals.
MMI is asking researchers to submit abstracts of up to 250 words to share their research at the symposium. They can give a 15-minute presentation on the day or present a poster displayed at the venue for people to view at lunchtime.
Researchers from all backgrounds and career stages are encouraged to apply, and projects can be based on any mental health and well-being area within the veterinary profession.
This includes research projects on the mental health and well-being of veterinary nurses and other veterinary team members.
Mind Matters manager Lisa Quigley said: “Veterinary mental health research remains vital. Since MMI’s inception, we have been heartened to see the field attract ever-increasing numbers of skilled, compassionate researchers from across the UK and beyond – many of whom have a personal connection to the professions.”
“We know they care deeply about their work to improve our understanding of veterinary mental health challenges and the things that can help.”
“Our last symposium held online in 2021 saw some of the top researchers in veterinary mental health present their work on topics ranging from cyberbullying and exercise to the effectiveness of mental health support apps and the importance of mindset.”
“We also heard progress reports from our Sarah Brown research grant winners, whose outstanding work in Sarah’s memory is already making a tangible difference to the everyday lives of those working in the veterinary professions. We look forward to returning to an in-person event for 2023 and welcoming all veterinary mental health research community members to Manchester.”
“I would also like to thank Dr Rosie Allister, member of our Mind Matters Taskforce and veterinary mental health researcher, who will again support us in organising the Symposium.”
“As with previous years, we are committed to making the MMI Mental Health Research symposium a supportive and inclusive event, particularly for early career researchers. We encourage abstract submissions from researchers at all career stages, including students.”
Researchers interested in participating in the symposium should submit abstracts no longer than 250 words including:
- Background
- Clear and explicit aims and objectives
- Hypotheses or research questions
- Methods
- Results
- Discussion
- Conclusion
All abstracts should be submitted via the Mind Matter symposium abstract submission form by Monday, 1st May, available via the dedicated Mind Matters symposium page. Please note early applications are encouraged as speaking slots are limited.
Successful applicants will be notified after the application deadline and receive complimentary registration for the symposium.
Those with further questions about submitting an abstract can contact Lisa Quigley.
The full agenda for the symposium, including how to sign up to attend, will be published in the summer.
