NI academic takes lead at international veterinary conference

Professor Philip Robinson, Professor of Veterinary Public Health at the Harper & Keele Veterinary School, who originates from Broughshane, has headed up a major three-day international veterinary conference in Toulouse, France, in his role as President of the Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine.

Professor Robinson is a past student of Ballymena Academy and lectures to students from Northern Ireland enrolled on the veterinary degree course at the Harper & Keele Veterinary School in Shropshire.

Returning from the Conference Professor Robinson said: “Being part of this international network of scientists involved in veterinary epidemiology and preventive medicine means so much to me. Every time I return from conference the inspiration to train the next generation grows stronger!”

Head of the Harper & Keele Vet School, Professor Matt Jones said: “Heading up the Conference is a great mark of the esteem with which Philip is held internationally and fully reflects his leadership and expertise in the field”.

The conference drew veterinary professionals from around the globe across its three days.

Professor Robinson said: “We had a fantastic attendance of nearly 240 delegates in the beautiful city of Toulouse in south-western France.

“Illustrating the global reach of the Society for Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, we had five continents and 31 countries from across the world represented.

“It was a tremendous honour for me to welcome them all to the conference, and the mixture of scientific presentations, posters and a social programme made the conference a great success.“

Professor Matt Jones added: “We were delighted to sponsor and support such a prestigious conference, especially during Philip’s Presidential year.

“It’s a great mark of esteem and fully reflective of his leadership and expertise in such an important field.

“Philip is the driving force behind our ambitions to create a centre of excellence integrating Veterinary Public Health with pathology and clinical farm animal practice at the Harper & Keele Vet School. We look forward to continuing to engage with and support the work of SVEPM in the future.”

Having previously served as the Society’s Honorary Secretary and Junior Vice President, Professor Robinson has now passed on the Presidential chain to his successor, but his work on the Executive Committee continues as Senior Vice President, with planning already underway for next year’s conference.