Her Majesty the Queen toured the school's state-of-the-art facilities.

£45m school will drive world-leading 'one health' research 

Surrey's new, state-of-the-art veterinary school was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen today (15 October).



The £45 million school is the result of five years of "vision, enthusiasm and determination from many talented individuals," according to its executive dean, Professor Lisa Roberts.



Closely linked with government agencies, veterinary professionals and industry, the University of Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine will drive world-leading research in 'one health'.


This is our legacy, and we are intensely proud to be part of this evolution in health education. 

Accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, Her Majesty toured the custom-built school, meeting one of its founding partners, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick. They also watched a demonstration in the Biomechanics Laboratory and met dogs that have benefited from prosthetic limb surgery.



Commenting on the new school, Prof Fitzpatrick said: "I had a vision where we would deliver a degree structure which was truly focussed on what you dream about when you are sixteen years old, when you are desperate to become a vet. 


"I fully intend to be part of a team that will kindle that fire throughout professional life to shine a light onto the world that badly needs ambassadors of purpose and integrity to be the caretakers of health on Earth, both now and for long after I’m gone and these new buildings will still be standing.



"This is our legacy, and we are intensely proud to be part of this evolution in health education."

The Queen met dogs that have benefited from prosthetic surgery. Here Prof Noel Fitzpatrick changes Scruffy the dog's foot pad.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness saw the Large Animal Clinical Skills Building and observed teaching sessions in the Clinical Skills Laboratory, meeting staff and students.



After the tour, a short celebratory ceremony was held, during which Her Majesty was invited to unveil a plaque in honour of the occasion.



To close the ceremony, War Horse star Joey reared up on his hind legs as the Royal limousine left the school.



Surrey's School of Veterinary Medicine is only the second vet school to open in the UK since 1965. It embraces the 'one health' concept, that human and animal health are intrinsically linked.



Prof Roberts said: "Veterinarians play a pivotal role in animal and human disease control and prevention. The University’s veterinary programme encompasses global diseases and food security issues and facilitates progression into a broad range of careers in the veterinary profession.
 


"We are particularly proud of the innovative and modern curriculum we are delivering for our students in collaboration with partners across the veterinary sector in small and large animal practices, government and industry."

Photographs of Her Majesty the Queen © University of Surrey