The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) is inviting applications for equine veterinary research and education grants to start from April 2025. Applications open on 20 May 2024.
IMPORTANT
Applications for Clinical and Research Scholarships, Post-Doctoral Fellowships and Small Research Projects should be made through the new on-line Funding Gateway.
The Equine Grants System - should continue to be used for major research project applications.
The HBLB’s strategic research priorities are aligned with the outcomes of the Horse Welfare Board’s strategic plan for the welfare of horses bred for racing (2020-2024):
• Best possible quality of life, which include all aspects of healthcare, husbandry and disease control (e.g. improved methods of disease diagnosis, more effective vaccines, biosecurity and disease prevention strategies, antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance)
• Best possible safety and well-being during breeding, training and racing (e.g. enhancement of diagnostic methods and restoration techniques after musculo-skeletal disease and injury, safer training and racing practices, minimisation of fatal and non-fatal injury)
• Lifetime responsibility for equine health (e.g. optimal health of breeding Thoroughbreds and youngstock, reproductive efficiency, evaluation of factors affecting transition to post-racing careers)
All applications will be subject to the normal HBLB review process.
There are five award types:
RESEARCH PROJECT GRANTS Application deadline is 2pm on Monday 15 July 2024
The HBLB supports scientifically robust research projects to benefit the racing, breeding and rearing of the Thoroughbred. Innovative and novel research approaches are encouraged and all applications will be subject to peer review and full evaluation by the Board’s VAC.
Applications are made online via the HBLB’s Equine Grants System. Visit the ‘Advancing Veterinary Science and Education’ section on the HBLB website for information on:
• Research priorities and scope
• Eligibility
• Applications
• Other activity in the veterinary sphere
SMALL PROJECT GRANTS Application deadline is 2pm on Monday 16 September 2024
This fund supports research focusing on specific issues of direct and immediate practical importance to the Thoroughbred. The grants are open to individuals employed by veterinary schools, universities and research institutes, veterinary practitioners or elsewhere in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry. HBLB is particularly interested in receiving applications from clinicians, farriers and others involved directly in the care of horses. Projects are limited to one year with costs restricted to around £10,000.
Applications should be made through the new on-line Funding Gateway.
EDUCATION AWARDS Application deadline is 2pm on Monday 15 July 2024
The two types of scholarships are:
• Veterinary Research Training Scholarships offer four-year funding to pursue a PhD programme in any scientific or veterinary field relevant to equines and particularly the racing, breeding or rearing of Thoroughbreds.
• Senior Equine Clinical Scholarships allow veterinary graduates with at least two years’ practical experience to train for a higher qualification, such as a European Diploma, over four years. The qualification must be in an equine field with particular relevance to the Thoroughbred.
Applications for both types of award must be made by the prospective supervisor within an eligible institution, such as a university veterinary school, other university department or research institute. Awards include a tax-free stipend to cover living costs and an expense allowance for research costs and other purposes directly relevant to the scholarship.
Applications should be made through the new on-line Funding Gateway.
EQUINE POST-DOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP Application deadline is 2pm on Monday 15 July 2024
The HBLB is again inviting applications from recent veterinary PhD graduates for a post-doctoral fellowship.
Introduced in 2016, the Equine Post-Doctoral Fellowships are aimed at exceptional veterinary PhDs, with the skills and aptitude to develop a leading academic or clinical academic career in equine veterinary sciences. The area of research must be focused on Thoroughbred racing, breeding or rearing. The fellowship will be tenable for three years.
Applicatioms should be made through the new on-line Funding Gateway.
For further information please contact Annie Dodd, Grants Manager – Equine Veterinary Science and Education at the Levy Board, at equine.grants@hblb.org.uk.