Funding research in equine veterinary development - the financial impact of the pandemic on scientific research
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By Annie Dodd
Something we can all agree on is that 2020 has not gone as planned. Nothing has escaped the effects of COVID-19, and as far as the racing industry is concerned, that goes for scientific research as well as the day-to-day activity in training centres, on studs and on the track.
Amongst the statutory duties of the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) is a requirement to apply funds for the advancement of veterinary science and education. In a normal year, the Board, through its Veterinary Advisory Committee, would be inviting applications for new projects to start the following year, as well as managing work already underway.
In 2020, access to university labs and field work has been severely restricted, meaning that many of the ongoing projects are being delayed—a frustrating situation for all. Everything will be finished, but it will take longer than planned.
The financial impact of the pandemic on racing is well known. For the Levy Board, many of the non-racing budget items have had to be restricted, and this has included veterinary science and education. For the first time there has been no grant call this year, and so no new work will be starting in 2021.
The better news is that three new major projects, 12 small projects, one research scholarship and two post-doctoral fellowships have begun in 2020.
The major research projects are hosted by institutions such as university veterinary schools. These can go up for up to three years, with budgets normally in the region of £200,000 to £300,000. …
