MSD Animal Health UK awards research presentation prizes to veterinary students

MILTON KEYNES, U.K., 23rd October 2023 – MSD Animal Health UK, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), is delighted to announce the winner and runner up of the MSD Animal Health UK’s Research Bursaries Awards Day presentations.

Each year, MSD Animal Health UK offers bursaries aimed at veterinary students, nurses and surgeons to help encourage and support research that furthers the health and wellbeing of livestock and companion animals. One year after receiving the bursaries, the veterinary student and nurse recipients are invited to MSD Animal Health UK’s Milton Keynes head office to present their findings to a panel of judges where they have the opportunity to win a £1000 first prize, and a £500 runner-up prize for the best presentations.

Four of last year’s bursary recipients delivered their presentations on Thursday 12th October to a panel of judges including BVA Senior Vice President, Malcolm Morley, and MSD Animal Health UK veterinary advisors Nicole De Rosa, Michelle Townley, Stephanie Small and John Helps.

The judges were impressed by all the presentations which were on a range of research topics varying from an assessment of Coxiella burnetii to a study of the influence of MM9 inhibition on the proliferation abilities of canine and human osteosarcoma cells. All the students gave an interesting overview of their research but the judges decided to award Zoe Jamieson the runner-up prize and Alex Bartlett first place for her outstanding work.

Meet the 2023 Winners

Alex Bartlett, who was a final year veterinary student at the time of her research at the Royal Veterinary College, took first place with her presentation showcasing her research on the ‘Development of isothermal phage-based methods to detect Mycobacterium bovis’.

Describing her experience with the MSD Animal Health UK Research Bursary, Alex said: “The bursary was great to get some research experience and was super applicable to clinical practice, as ultimately research is what drives this profession. It’s given me skills in data analysis and interpretation, as well as presentation skills. It’s been useful even in terms of just having the confidence to talk to clients and public speaking. It’s been helpful all-round really!”

Zoe Jamison, currently a fourth year student at the University of Glasgow, came in second with a engaging presentation on the ‘Analysis of the use of sexed semen on two intensively managed dairy farms in Scotland to identify best practice guidelines for cow selection’. The judges were impressed by her passion and knowledge around the subject.

Malcolm Morley, thoroughly enjoyed all the research presentations, “It was amazing to hear people who are so passionate about their research, I learnt a lot myself!” said Morley. “Research is really important as in the veterinary profession so much that we do is evidence based. It’s brilliant to be with MSD Animal Health UK today and see how you are supporting young vets at the beginning of their careers.”

The application window for this years bursaries are still open!

To continue supporting research in the veterinary industry, MSD Animal Health UK will be offering the following bursaries in 2023:

  • Two bursaries aimed towards ruminant veterinary surgeons up to £4000
  • One bursary aimed towards companion animal veterinary surgeons up to £4000
  • One bursary for a student or qualified veterinary nurse up to £1000
  • Five bursaries for veterinary students in the UK up to £1000

 Nicole De Rosa, Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health comments: “We know that veterinary professionals are driven by a passion for animal health and welfare, and research plays a vital role in ensuring they can deliver the best care. As part of MSD Animal Health’s commitment to the science of healthier animals and the future of the veterinary community, we hope that the MSD Animal Health Bursaries will encourage and support more research ventures within small and large animal medicine. We encourage as many veterinary surgeons, nurses and students to apply and are excited to see the research proposals made. Don’t miss out on the chance to help fund your research ventures.”

The application window closes on the 27th October and successful applicants will be announced by early next year. For further details, please visit the MSD Animal Health Research Bursary website at www.msdahresearchbursary.co.uk.