CVS launches 2026 Clinical Research Grants Funding Call to advance preventative veterinary medicine
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One fully funded PhD studentship available to support research into preventative interventions that improve animal health, welfare and healthy ageing

CVS has opened applications for its 2026 Clinical Research Grants Funding Call, inviting academics from recognised universities and research institutes in the UK and Australia to apply for funding to undertake research focused on preventative veterinary medicine.

The annual grants programme supports research that delivers meaningful improvements for animals under veterinary care and generates evidence that can be translated into everyday clinical practice.

For 2026, CVS is seeking innovative research proposals aligned to the theme: "Research to support evidence-based preventative interventions that improve the long-term health, welfare and quality of life of animals."

Recognising that preventative healthcare has the potential to improve health outcomes, reduce disease burden, enhance animal welfare and strengthen the human-animal bond, CVS is looking to fund research that generates robust evidence to support healthy ageing in veterinary patients.

The funding call welcomes projects that improve understanding of how preventative interventions can:

  • Delay or prevent disease onset
  • Improve lifelong health outcomes
  • Enhance animal welfare and quality of life
  • Support healthy ageing
  • Improve owner engagement and adherence to preventative healthcare
  • Reduce avoidable morbidity and healthcare costs
  • Support more sustainable and efficient delivery of veterinary care

Particular encouragement will be given to projects that utilise large-scale clinical datasets, involve collaboration with CVS practices, generate evidence that can be rapidly translated into practice, and address significant disease burden within primary care animal populations.

CVS will fund one PhD studentship of up to £30,000 per annum for a maximum of three years, representing a total potential investment of £90,000. Funding may be used to support PhD stipend costs, research consumables, data collection activities, laboratory or fieldwork expenses, software licences and other project-specific research costs. Host institutions will be required to cover tuition fees and provide the facilities, supervision and training necessary to support successful completion of the project.

Imogen Schofield, Director of Research and Data Science at CVS, said:

Preventative healthcare is fundamental to improving the long-term health and welfare of animals, yet many areas of veterinary preventative medicine still lack the evidence needed to guide best practice. Through this year's Clinical Research Grants funding call, we want to support research that generates meaningful evidence and helps veterinary teams make informed decisions that improve patient outcomes throughout an animal's life. We're particularly interested in projects that have clear potential to translate into everyday practice, support healthy ageing and strengthen the impact of preventative care. By investing in high-quality research and fostering collaboration between academia and practice, we hope to generate knowledge that delivers long-term benefits for animals, owners and the wider profession.

Applications are invited from academics based at recognised universities or research institutes in the UK and Australia. Eligible projects must focus on species commonly treated within CVS practices, demonstrate clear potential to influence veterinary practice and be suitable for completion within a three-year PhD programme.

Applications will be reviewed by the CVS Clinical Executive Team and the CVS Clinical Research Grants Panel. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present their proposal and discuss its methodology, feasibility and clinical impact before a final funding decision is made.

The successful project will recruit a PhD candidate during 2027, with the studentship expected to commence at the beginning of the 2027/28 academic year.

For further information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit CVS Research Grants | CVS Veterinary Group or get in touch via email.