Research symposiums

The fifth annual RCVS Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium brought together researchers, clinicians, educators and veterinary professionals to share the latest insights into mental health and wellbeing across the profession.

Held in Birmingham on Friday 10 October 2025, the symposium marked a significant milestone - ten years of the Mind Matters Initiative - and showcased the breadth of research now shaping understanding of mental health in the veterinary world. What began as a pioneering effort by the RCVS to address stigma and raise awareness has evolved into a dynamic, evidence-driven programme focused on supporting individuals, improving workplace culture, and enabling the professions to thrive.

Insights from the 2025 symposium

We have created a report capturing the key themes, research findings and discussions from the day, which covered topics including education and training, workplace culture, substance use, neurodiversity, and suicide prevention. It also highlights the continued importance of combining lived experience with academic research to drive meaningful change.

Advisory: The report and accompanying videos include material that some people may find distressing. If you are affected by any of the issues raised, support resources are available at the end of the report or at MMI Get Support.  

Download the report 

The 5th RCVS Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium (PDF)

Videos from the day

Welcome and introduction

RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett reflects on the growth of the Mind Matters Initiative and the College's role in advancing mental health support. Watch now

MMI project updates 

Rapinder Newton, RCVS MMI Lead, and Lloyd Emeka, RCVS Senior Diversity and Inclusion Officer, present updates on Mind Matters projects and the 'Let’s talk adjustments' campaign, highlighting new initiatives promoting workplace wellbeing. Watch now

Mental health education in veterinary nursing curricula: a multivocality qualitative study of further and higher education

Dr Jackie Hargreaves and Dr Faye Didymus explore how mental health education and placement support shape student veterinary nurses’ wellbeing and confidence. Watch now

Mental health, alcohol use behaviours and barriers to help seeking within UK veterinary practice: the MAB-VET study

Dr Jennifer Seddon and Dr Olivia Cormier examine alcohol use in veterinary professionals and highlight links with wellbeing, stigma and workplace culture. Watch now

Workplace management of UK veterinary professionals’ miscarriage, infertility and assisted fertility (MIAF)

Dr Zoe Belshaw explores how miscarriage, infertility and assisted fertility experiences are affected by workplace culture in the veterinary professions. Watch now

Confronting taken-for-granted truths - a systematic review of risk and protective factors associated with suicide risk in veterinary professionals

James Glass MRCVS presents a systematic review of suicide risk in veterinary professionals, identifying key risk and protective factors across international studies. Watch now