Bristol Veterinary School
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Comparative and Clinical Research
What is the Comparative and Clinical Research Theme?
The Comparative and Clinical Research Theme is one of the three research themes in the School of Veterinary Sciences. It encompasses high quality clinical-based research that has long been a major strengths of the School. Clinicians across many disciplines belong to the Comparative and Clinical Research Group and collaborate closely with basic scientists working within the School or the wider University to carry out robust and clinically relevant research that will ultimately help animals. These studies are designed to further our knowledge of clinical disease and their treatments and bridge the gap between fundamental research and the clinical arena. To a great extent the strengths in our research theme capitalise on strengths in the School’s Infection and Immunity and Animal Welfare and Behaviour research themes.
How is the Comparative and Clinical Research Group structured?
The Comparative and Clinical Research Group comprises around 40 people based mainly in the School of Veterinary Science. There are several foci within the group, namely Farm Animal Research, Small Animal Medicine, Small Animal Surgery, Nursing, Imaging, Clinical Pathology, Anaesthesia and Analgesia and Equine studies. The research studies performed can utilise clinical cases or biological samples sent to Langford Veterinary Services, a fully owned subsidiary of the University of Bristol. Fully-informed owner consent is always obtained before animals or samples are recruited to investigations.
Support for the Comparative and Clinical Research Group
As one of the School’s three research themes, the Comparative and Clinical Research Group is supported by a dedicated team of research technicians, skilled in a wide range of techniques, and managed by the Research Support Officer (RSO), Chris Whiting. The aim of the RSO is to facilitate collaborative links between School staff and the wider University, to facilitate research throughout the School, and to advise staff on a wide range of research-related issues. There is a dedicated clinical research nurse, Louisa Mitchard, who is managed by the RSO, whose remit is to collect and collate clinical samples and to generally assist in clinical research projects.
Who do we receive funding from?
- Charities such as The Langford Trust, The Wellcome Trust, The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Trust Fund, Petsavers, Petplan Charitable Trust,University of Bristol Campaigns and Alumni Fund)
- Industry such Pfizer Animal Health, Merial
- Research councils such as BBSRC
What are the aims of the Comparative and Clinical Research Theme?
- To deliver state-of-the-art research in comparative and clinical research
- To become a world leader in comparative and clinical research
- To ensure our research leads to the better diagnosis, treatment, management and prevention of animal diseases worldwide
We approach these through communication and collaboration and the important synergistic link between research and clinical activities.