"I intend to do all that I can to ensure that UK veterinary schools remain world leading" - Professor Stuart Reid.

He succeeds Professor Susan Dawson in the role. 

Professor Stuart Reid CBE has been announced as the new Chair of the Veterinary Schools Council (VSC).

Providing a source of informed opinion on veterinary education matters, the VSC is the representative body for veterinary schools in the UK, Ireland, and Netherlands, and is made up of nine UK members and two non-UK associate members. 

Professor Reid is also the current Principal of the RVC, a position he has held since 2011, and is a Recognised Specialist of the RCVS in veterinary epidemiology. He is also a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Public Health, where he was the first elected president, and has served on a number of committees, including the Scottish Science Advisory Committee, and the Veterinary Products Committee.

Awarded a CBE in 2018, and elected to the National Academy of Medicine in the USA in 2019, Professor Reid has been a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh since 2001.

Alongside his role as President of the RCVS in 2014 to 2015, Professor Reid has also chaired the European Committee on Veterinary Education, and was Honorary Secretary to the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. 

Professor Stuart Reid now succeeds Professor Susan Dawson in the position of Chair of the VSC.

Commenting on his new role, Professor Stuart Reid said: “I am honoured to chair the Veterinary Schools Council for the next three years and would like to thank Professor Susan Dawson for her tireless work in leading and guiding the Council throughout her tenure, and particularly through the pandemic.

“As a member of Council for many years I can attest to the importance of collaboration between veterinary schools in addressing shared issues including COVID-19, Brexit and One Health. I firmly believe that together we are stronger, and intend to do all I can to ensure that UK veterinary schools remain world leading at this time of great change.”

Reid's predecessor, Professor Susan Dawson, commented: “Stuart is an experienced leader who is widely respected across the veterinary profession. His experience spanning veterinary education and research will be invaluable as he leads the Veterinary Schools Council and I congratulate him on his new role.” 

Image (C) Veterinary Record Mark Thomas