Nicola Menzies-Gow FRCVS, Professor in Equine Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, has been appointed Chair of the RCVS Ethics Review Panel (ERP).

The RCVS ERP provides an ethics review mechanism for researchers who are based in practice and don't have access to this process through university and industry connections.

The subcommittee has representation across a range of areas of veterinary expertise, including veterinary nursing, and also includes lay researchers and scientists.

Since its formation as a trial service in 2016, the ERP has reviewed more than 530 research proposals on behalf of the College.

Nicola said: “I am honoured to be offered this position.

"Having been a member of RCVS ERP for the past three years and undertaking a similar role as the Chair of the Clinical Research Ethical Review Board at the Royal Veterinary College, I felt that I had the right expertise to take on the role

“It is vitally important that all research, regardless of where it is undertaken, undergoes ethical review to ensure that robust results are produced especially when they have the potential to influence clinical practice, and so I really welcome the work the ERP has been undertaking.

“As chair of the ERP I hope to build on the success of my predecessor and continue to support those working in clinical practice that is not associated with a university to undertake valuable research and add to the body of evidence that supports our clinical decision-making.”

www.rcvs.org.uk/ethics

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