Professor David Barrett

David’s background is in dairy farming in the Southwest of England. He attended Brymore School from the age of 13, going on to earn an intercalated BSc in Anatomical Sciences (1987) and a BVSc (1990) from the University of Bristol, before entering mixed practice in North Wales. After completing his initial postgraduate training, he joined the University of Glasgow, gaining the Diploma in Bovine Reproduction (DBR) in 1996 and Diploma in Cattle Health and Production (DCHP) in 1997, before becoming an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Cattle Health and Production in 2000.

In 2003, David played a pivotal role in establishing the European College of Bovine Health Management (ECBHM), transforming postgraduate clinical training across Europe, and paving the way for other species-specific Colleges. He served as President of the ECBHM (2005–07) before returning to the University of Bristol in 2011 as Professor of Bovine Medicine, Production and Reproduction, rebuilding the farm animal teaching and research group. 

David has received numerous accolades for his contributions to veterinary practice, education, and leadership: FRCVS (2017) for meritorious contribution to clinical practice; Associate of the Royal Agricultural Societies (2019); Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (2021); and the prestigious ‘Brownlie Bull’ award (2022) for outstanding service during 17 years on the Board of the British Cattle Veterinary Association, including serving as BCVA President (2018–19).

Currently, David is Professor, Section Lead, and School Education Director at Bristol Veterinary School and is a member of ECBHM, BVA, BCVA, SVEPM, AVTRW, SVS, and Vet Trust.

Outside work, David is a keen hill walker and marathon and ultra-marathon runner, splitting his time between Bristol and his home in Scotland, while supporting his family, including his three children at University in Melbourne, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Council Member category

• Elected member: 2024 - 2028

Committee membership

• Specialist Recognition Subcommittee (Chair)
• Nominations Committee
• Specialist Recognition and Advanced Practitioner Appeals Committee
• AP Qualifications Subcommittee
• Legislative Change Working Group
• Education Committee (Observer)

Declaration of interests