Development Board assists Dick Vet in achieving vision for growth

The international profile of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh will be enhanced with the work of a Development Board.

The Development Board includes representatives from the business sector who will also provide strategic advice and support for the School’s fundraising campaign.

New Director of Fundraising

The Board will be supported by the work of a Director of Fundraising, as it carries out a major redevelopment programme including a new £42 million teaching building.

The setting up of a Development Board will help streamline growth of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and assist in establishing strategic partnerships

Professor Elaine Watson, Head of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, said: "We are in an era of unprecedented opportunity for veterinary medicine. Veterinary medicine is ranked ninth in the list of the 30 fastest growing occupations over the next decade when we will see a major increase in recruitment.

"The setting up of a Development Board will help streamline growth of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and assist in establishing strategic partnerships, which are key to future development in a context of delivering veterinary education and research on a global scale."

The formation of the board, which is chaired by Dr George Gunn, alumni and Chief Executive of Consumer Health at Novartis, was announced at a Dinner in Edinburgh attended by the Princess Royal, who is patron of the School.

Dick Vet forms links

It follows on from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Colorado State University, one of the top five vet schools in America, last year which will foster student exchanges and encourage research projects partnerships, such as looking at emerging infectious diseases that can cross the species barrier from animals to humans.

New School Development

Work on the School’s £42 million vet School building for 1,200 staff and students at Easter Bush is due to be completed in 2011. The building will form part of a wider £100 million development on the Easter Bush site, which includes a new research building for The Roslin Institute.

Over the next 10 years there are also plans to rebuild and relocate the School’s Hospital for Large Animals, placing it alongside the Hospital for Small Animals.

For more information please contact Tara Womersley, Press and PR Office, University of Edinburgh, Tel 0131 650 9836 or 07791 355804.