Applications are now open for the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) 2024 Michael J. Day Scholarship for veterinary students.
The scholarship provides financial assistance towards a research project into an aspect of small companion animal infectious disease, clinical vaccinology or immunology.
It was created to recognise Emeritus Professor Michael Day’s contribution to vaccinology and immunology in companion animals in his role as chair of the WSAVA’s Vaccination Guidelines Group from 2009 until March 2020. The scholarship is generously supported by MSD Animal Health.
The first WSAVA Michael J. Day Scholar was announced in 2022 and the selected scholar, Nepalese veterinary student Somnath Aryal, studied the prevalence of canine tick-borne diseases in the dog population of Nepal, one of the first initiatives to survey these diseases at the species level. Data from the project has helped to highlight the importance of diagnosing and preventing canine tick-borne diseases in veterinary clinics in Nepal.
The 2023 Scholar, German veterinary student Lotta Truyen, is working on a project to improve understanding as to how canine distemper virus (CDV)-specific maternal antibodies are transmitted from mothers to puppies in order to improve future CDV vaccine strategies. She is carrying out her research at the Caddy Lab at Cornell University, New York, USA.
“The WSAVA Michael J. Day Scholarship is important as it affords the selected scholar with the opportunity to hone their research skills, while pursuing a topic of interest relating to immunology, vaccinology or infectious diseases,” Dr Mary Marcondes, chair of the WSAVA’s Vaccination Committee said.
“Its significance, however, extends beyond aiding students as the research conducted by the scholars benefits the whole global veterinary community.”
All veterinary students studying towards a registerable veterinary degree in an accredited veterinary establishment in a country in which the WSAVA has a member association are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
The deadline for applications for the 2024 Michael J. Day Scholarship is 31 July 2024.
