I’m pleased to report that as stipulated in our last update the first ever meeting of the Public Guardian Involvement & Engagement (PGIE) group took place in December. We have great members who made valued contributions and kicked off the job of helping us shape One Medicine Ethical Framework that will help to support collaboration and also delivery of research in veterinary practice. So we are just the little bit closer of achieving the motto of the group: Help Us Give Animals a Voice - “FAIR DEAL FOR ALL ANIMALS”
We discussed individual opinions on obstacles to collaboration as well as views on companion animal participation in research. It was an interesting dialogue between the members and I’m looking forward to our upcoming meetings where we will explore those topics further, and ascertain the views of both lay volunteers as well as professionals. If you are reading this Newsletter and think this is a really interesting topic, please do get in touch. Your thoughts on involving companion and other animals in clinical research would be welcomed (not laboratory research, research that is offered as part of treatment option, an opportunity to participate in a clinical study or a trial, very much like us humans can be offered during a hospital appointment). You may feel strongly about how information should be communicated, what circumstances would make you consider the option for your companion animal to take part in research, or perhaps you have ideas on breaking barriers and encouraging clinicians on both sides (human health and veterinary health) to work more closely together. It would be good to hear from you.
We also have 2 new grants/calls that will be published just in time for Christmas. Those are specific grants referred to as Connections Awards. We are hoping that both calls aimed at professionals as well as students will help to form fruitful partnerships that can support the further development of One Medicine. Both calls were prepared following a detailed discussion at our Science Committee meeting where a need to provide an opportunity for people to build connections and explore collaboration was identified. We will consider all submitted applications at our Science Committee meeting in the New Year.
And just a final note, if you haven’t already, do consider checking out our One Medicine Webinar series, which you can find on our website. Those that have already taken place are available as recordings, and you can also sign up for the upcoming sessions. https://www.humanimaltrust.org.uk/one-medicine-webinar-series-202324