Published: 30 Jun 2020 | Last Updated: 30 Jun 2020 13:20:55

New, state-of-the-art ‘One Health’ research and teaching facilities being created by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) will be supported with a £1.25 million grant from The Wolfson Foundation, it was announced today.

This supports the RVC’s ongoing fundraising efforts for its major £45 million development at the  Hawkshead campus in Hertfordshire, to bring unique benefits to people, animals, societies and environments at a global scale, by bringing together the interdisciplinary teams needed to deliver research, clinical aspects and education in the context of One Health. 

A One Health approach is a perspective of health that recognises the interconnection between people, animals, plants and the shared environment. As a pioneer in this field, the RVC is forging important partnerships with leaders in human medicine and social sciences to address some of the most important global challenges affecting the poorest communities around the world.

The three-story development, which is already underway, is designed to inspire and promote collaboration between scientists, clinicians and external partners and will equip students with the knowledge and skills required to tackle global challenges, and empower them to become the One Health leaders of the future.

Professor Stuart Reid CBE, Principal at the RVC, said: “As a pioneer of the One Health approach, the RVC has forged important partnerships with leaders in human medicine and social sciences. Our research programmes are funded by organisations and initiatives such as the Global Challenges Research Fund, UKRI, EU Government and the Gates Foundation, speak to this vital agenda.

“Never has the concept of One Health been of greater significance and our science addresses some of the most important global challenges that affect the livelihoods of the most disadvantaged communities worldwide.

“We are immensely grateful to The Wolfson Foundation for its support which will allow us to continue making important advances in One Health research and education.”

The RVC has a long-standing relationship with The Wolfson Foundation, whose fundamental aim is to improve the civic health of society through education and research. Over many years, this relationship has included an award, in 2011, to create the first teaching and research building at the RVC.

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of The Wolfson Foundation, said: “The recent Covid-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for constant vigilance against, and preparation for, the emergence of animal diseases as a serious threat to human lives and livelihoods. We are delighted to support the RVC in establishing new facilities to house leading researchers from a wide variety of disciplines, and not least to rise to this challenge.”

For more information about the development see Science for the Planet or contact: Nadja Hale, Head of Fundraising at the RVC: nhale@rvc.ac.uk or 01707 667024.

Notes to Editors