Projects awarded funding in 2024
This is a summary of the grants that have been awarded funding so far this year. For further details of project aims, please view them by disease area.
Comparing the perception and attitudes of different groups of people (e.g., veterinarians, animal shelter staff, and feline-owning public) towards feline immunodeficiency virus in cats against published literature
Student Research Project: £500
Institution: University of Edinburgh
Lead researcher: Danielle Gunn-Moore
On its discovery, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) was represented as a disease of high mortality and morbidity. This undergraduate project aims to investigate whether the perception of and attitude towards FIV in different groups involved in feline care has changed alongside increased scientific understanding of the disease to determine whether stigmatisation of FIV infection remains in the cat-care community.
Investigating the peri- and post-operative outcomes of neutering female dogs by ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy
Student Research Project: £1200
Institution: University of Nottingham
Lead researcher: Gary England
Neutering by ovariohysterectomy (OVH) is reportedly the most common procedure and the one taught in vet schools; however, laparoscopic techniques and neutering by ovariectomy (OVE) are increasing in frequency. This undergraduate study will examine differences in the perioperative and post-operative outcomes when surgical neutering is performed by laparoscopic OVE compared to an OVH by celiotomy.
Evaluation of cognitive function in a prospective ageing and welfare study in cats (Cat PAWS)
Student Research Project: £1250
Institution: University of Liverpool
Lead researcher: Gemma Walmsley
Little is known about feline cognitive dysfunction (FCD) and it is thought to be underdiagnosed. This undergraduate project aims to use neurological and behavioural signs to identify reliable tools for assessing feline cognitive function. This will help FCD to be recognised earlier and differentiated from other neurological conditions, and for management strategies and treatments to be implemented.
Investigating the role of thymosin beta 10 in feline chronic kidney disease
PhD studentship: £80,000 (partial funding)
Institution: RVC
Lead researcher: Elisavet Vasilopoulou
This studentship aims to improve understanding of the factors modifying the progression of kidney disease in cats. It may also identify novel biomarkers to identify cats that are likely to develop advanced kidney disease and new areas for therapeutic intervention to slow disease progression.
Identification of the genetic variant that causes spongiform leukoencephalomyelopathy (SLEM) in the Border Terrier dog breed
Master’s Degree by Research: £39,411
Institution: University of Cambridge
Lead researcher: Lisa Alves
This master’s project aims to identify the causal genetic variant of SLEM in Border Terriers, and to understand how and why this variant is pathogenic. This will improve our understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of SLEM, and enable a validated genetic test for SLEM to be offered to breeders.
Exploring the dog microbiome for therapeutic potential in the treatment of canine bacterial pyoderma
Student Research Project Grant: £2,800
Institution: University of Liverpool
Lead researcher: Tim Williams
This undergraduate project aims to identify and characterise commensal bacteria with therapeutic potential against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the most common cause of bacterial skin infections in dogs, to help identify mechanisms of inhibition and determine their potential for clinical application.
Click on the links below to read about other studies that we have funded recently:
Projects awarded funding in 2023
Projects awarded funding in 2022
Project awarded funding in 2021