VetEd 2025 Townsville logo

Welcome to VetEd Downunder 2027

VetEd DownUnder will be coming to Melbourne in 2027!

Please save the dates: 2nd– 5th February 2027

Stay tuned – keynote speakers will be announced soon!

Vet Ed Down Under 2027

Australasian Veterinary Educators Symposium

2nd- 5th February 2027

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Important Dates

Registration

Abstracts

Welcome to the Vet Ed Down Under Symposium

The University of Melbourne Veterinary School warmly invites veterinary educators and everyone with a stake in veterinary education – academics, clinicians, practitioners, nurses, technologists, researchers, students – to join us for the forth Australasian Veterinary Educators Symposium or ‘VetEd Down Under’.

VetEd Down Under aims to promote veterinary education in the region through sharing of innovations, ideas and best practise in teaching and learning, within an open and welcoming atmosphere. Pre- and post-conference workshops allow further collective exploration of important issues in veterinary education.

Important Dates

Tuesday 2nd February 2027: Pre-conference workshops (9.30am-4.30pm); welcome event 5-7pm

Wednesday 3rd: Main conference program, Parkville campus. Conference Dinner

Wednesday 4th: Main conference program, Werribee campus.

Friday: post-conference field trip

Note: we suggest that attendees stay close to Parkville campus (near Melbourne CBD). Buses will be provided to take attendees to the Werribee campus

Registration

Registration will open in September 2026.

Key dates:

Abstract submissions will open in August 2026.

The deadline for submissions will be September 18th 2026.

Outcome notifications will occur in mid- October 2026.

Keynote speakers

Keynote speakers

Professor Emerita Rosanne Taylor

Professor Emerita Rosanne Taylor

BVSc, DipVetClinStud, PhD, GradCertEdStud (Higher Ed)

Sydney School of Veterinary Science
Co-Chair, Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee (VSAAC)

“A new era in accreditation”

Rosanne has worked as a veterinarian in government, large and small animal practice, research and as an international education consultant. Rosanne Taylor is a retired veterinary educator and former Dean at the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, with research interests in companion animal health and student learning. She is the co-chair of the Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee of AVBC.

Professor Jennie Hodgson

Professor Jennie Hodgson

BVSc(hons), DipVetPath, Diplomate ACVM, GradCertEdStud, PhD

Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
Co-Chair, Veterinary Schools Accreditation Advisory Committee (VSAAC)

“Veterinary Medical Education in the Future: Challenges and Opportunities”

Jennie is a Professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM). She received her veterinary degree from University of Sydney, and a PhD in microbiology at Washington State University. Jennie has taught veterinary microbiology in both Australia and the US, and has received numerous teaching awards including an AUT Carrick Award, AVA National Award for Excellence in Teaching, AAVMC/Zoetis National Distinguished Veterinary Teacher (US), AAVMC Presidential Award for Meritorious Service to Veterinary Education and the National SAVMA Award for Supporter of Student Wellbeing. Leadership positions have included Associate Dean for Professional Programs at VMCVM, chair of AAVMC’s Academic Affairs Committee and co-chair of the Competency Based Veterinary Education Working Group. She currently co-chairs the Veterinary Schools Accreditation and Advisory Committee (VSAAC) and the Council on Outcomes-Based Veterinary Education (COVE).

Emma Read

Professor Emma Read

DVM, MVSc, DACVS

Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Associate Dean for Professional Programs

“Educating for diversity and spectrum of care”

Emma is a 1998 graduate of the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, Canada who completed a large animal surgery residency at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens, GA. She taught large animal surgery at the Ontario Veterinary College, before relocating to Alberta to join private equine surgical referral practice and the University of Calgary’s newly established Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Emma stayed at the University of Calgary until 2018, achieving the rank of Professor of Teaching, and serving as Chair of Clinical Skills Program, leading a multi-year, multi-instructor, multi- disciplinary program that comprised ~20% of the overall curriculum. In 2015, she was appointed to serve as Associate Dean Academic. Mid-2018, Emma moved to Columbus, OH and joined The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine as Associate Dean for Professional Programs. She currently oversees the DVM program and is leading a major curricular redesign that has begun implementation. Dr. Read is currently serving as AAEP’s 2022 President, is a member of AAVMC’s COVE (Council for Outcomes-based Veterinary Education), and is co-leading the CBVE 2.0 effort. Dr. Read is a past chair of the Council for International Veterinary Medical Education and currently serves on the leadership steering committee for the AAVMC’s Spectrum of Care National Initiative.

Associate Professor Cristy Secombe

Associate Professor Cristy Secombe

BSc BVMS MANZCVS MVSc(hons) Dip ACVIM
Head of Veterinary and Public Affairs, Australian Veterinary Association

“Sustainability in the veterinary profession”

Cristy joined the AVA in 2021 as the Head of Veterinary and Public Affairs after having spent the majority of her career to date in clinical university practice. Her clinical background is in equine internal medicine and she spent many years practicing this craft and teaching the next generation of veterinarians. More recently she moved into executive leadership roles including as Clinical Director of a large teaching hospital. Cristy has contributed to the AVA through the equine special interest group for many years, including as president and is excited to have formally joined the AVA team in her new role.

Abstracts

Coming soon.

About

Aim

  • The aim of VetEd Down Under is:

to promote veterinary education in the Australia and New Zealand region, through inclusive sharing of research, innovation and best practice.

Underpinning Principles

  • Achieving this aim relies on these underpinning principles:
    • Inclusivity:
      • Open and friendly atmosphere
      • Affordable, tiered fee structure
      • All delegates welcomed: academics, educators, clinicians, practitioners, researchers, nurses, and students, from any country.
      • Showcasing innovation, ideas and best practice, as well as original research
      • High acceptance rates (i.e. subject to logistical constraints and minimum standards, everyone normally given opportunity to present in some form if they wish)
    • Sharing:
      • Encouraging open sharing of outputs and innovations, for the collective benefit of veterinary education in the region
      • Emphasis on networking and building community
    • Promoting best practice
      • Promoting higher standards of veterinary education, through sharing and showcasing best practice
      • Encouraging (but not insisting on) scholarly or evidence-based approaches
      • Accessible and encouraging to delegates not previously exposed to educational research and scholarship, particularly those from host school.
      • Promoting educational scholarship and best practice as a rewarding pathway for veterinary faculty

Proceedings of Previous events:

The University of Adelaide 2018

The University of Queensland 2020

A statement from the VetEd Down Under 2023 post-conference workshop ‘Strengthening reconciliation and inclusion within veterinary education – begins with truth telling’, Wadjemup/Rottnest Island, 9 February 2023

Murdoch University 2023

James Cook University 2025

PROGRAM

The VetEd Downunder 2025 Symposium program is now available.

We encourage you to download the program in PDF format to see the full schedule of presentations.

PROCEEDINGS

The VetEd Downunder 2025 Symposium proceedings are now available.

We encourage you to download the proceedings in PDF format to see the abstracts for all presentations.

Conference field trip

Field trip to Magnetic Island

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Assoc Prof John Smithson

Assoc Prof John Smithson

Dr John Smithson is a dual-qualified pharmacist and nurse with over 30 years of clinical and 20 years of academic leadership experience. As Associate Professor and Head of Pharmacy at James Cook University, he leads a nationally recognised program that spans three regional campuses and pioneered Australia’s first Full Scope of Practice and Prescribing Program for Pharmacists. Actively practicing in community pharmacy, Dr Smithson ensures his teaching remains clinically relevant. His work focuses on expanding pharmacist scope, workforce readiness, and innovative clinical education.

Dr Haseeb Anwar

Dr Haseeb Anwar

Dr. Haseeb Anwar graduated in Veterinary Medicine in 2001 and served as a Veterinary Officer in Pakistan’s Livestock and Dairy Development Department for several years. After completing his PhD in Veterinary Physiology from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, in 2011, he transitioned to academia, founding and leading the Department of Physiology at GC University, Faisalabad, Pakistan. He played a key role in curriculum development, subject coordination, and student supervision, mentoring over 40 master’s and 10 PhD students. His postdoctoral research at the University of Copenhagen focused on the role of gut microbiomes in drug delivery within the gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Anwar has received multiple awards for excellence in teaching and research. As Director of Career Counselling, he contributed significantly to student guidance and professional development. In 2025, he joined Charles Sturt University as a Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology at the School of Agriculture, Environmental, and Veterinary Sciences. His vision is to enhance the school’s academic standing and strengthen its international collaborations.

Registration

Registrations are now closed.  If you would like to register to attend the symposium or book accommodation at the John Flynn College, please email [email protected]

Below are indicative registration costs and what is included in the registration.

REGISTRATION TYPE

COST (inc GST)

FULL DELEGATE$550
CONFERENCE & DINNER DELEGATE$495
CONFERENCE ONLY DELEGATE$418
DAY REGISTRATION DELEGATE$275
FIELD TRIP$165
WELCOME RECEPTION ONLY$66
CONFERENCE DINNER$132

FULL DELEGATE

  • Workshop and Welcome Reception (30 June)
  • Attendance at all conference sessions over 2 days (1 and 2 July)
  • Lunch, morning and afternoon tea for the entire conference
  • Conference dinner – including return coach transport from JCU and the dinner venue (1 July)

CONFERENCE & DINNER DELEGATE

  • Attendance at all conference sessions over 2 days (1 and 2 July)
  • Lunch, morning and afternoon tea for the entire conference
  • Conference dinner – including return coach transport between JCU and the dinner venue (1 July)

CONFERENCE ONLY DELEGATE

  • Attendance at all conference sessions over 2 days (1 and 2 July)
  • Lunch, morning and afternoon tea for the 2 days.

DAY REGISTRATION DELEGATE

  • Attendance at all conference sessions for the day registered
  • Lunch, morning and afternoon tea for the day registered.

FIELD TRIP

WELCOME RECEPTION AND CONFERENCE DINNER ONLY
If you wish to bring a guest to either the welcome reception or conference dinner, separate tickets can be purchased.

Key Dates

Key Dates

Tuesday 11 March 2025Call for Abstracts open
Friday 9 May 2025Abstract submissions close
Friday 9 May 2025Registration open
Tuesday 17 June 2025Registration close

Conference Dates

Monday 30 June 2025Pre-conference Workshops and Welcome Reception
Tuesday 1 July 2025Conference Day 1 AND Conference Dinner
Wednesday 2 July 2025Conference Day 2
Thursday 3 July 2025Post Conference Field Trip to Magnetic Island

Sponsorship

You’re invited to be a part of VetEd Down Under 2025.

If you are looking for a way to showcase your new veterinary education technologies, veterinary products and services this is a great opportunity. You will have the opportunity to enhance your company’s profile amongst a target audience of Australia, New Zealand and international delegates interested in all facets of veterinary education and lifelong learning – the opportunity for us all to share our teaching practices and grow together.

We have several partnership and exhibitor packages available to suit different brand exposure and budget requirements.

If you are interested in sponsorship or exhibitor packages for VetEd Down Under 2025, please see the Sponsorship opportunities document or talk through any specific requirements or desired outcomes.  We are happy to tailor a package to suit your organisation.

Contact:

Professor Margaret Reilly, Professor of Practice (Veterinary Science)

Email:  [email protected]

The Australasian Veterinary Educators thanks these organisations for their generous support of the VetEd Down Under Symposium 2025.

James Cook University logo
Elanco logo
Lyppard Pty Ltd logo
AD Instruments logo
The Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists logo
Improve Veterinary Education logo

Conference location

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

We look forward to welcoming you to Townsville, a vibrant city offering a fantastic climate, breathtaking natural beauty, and plenty of experiences for you and your family to enjoy. From exploring Magnetic Island and the stunning Great Barrier Reef to relaxing along The Strand waterfront or discovering local wildlife, Townsville provides the perfect backdrop for an inspiring and enriching conference experience.

The workshops and conference sessions will take place in the Engineering and Innovation Place – Building 506 located at JCU’s Bebegu Yumba campus, James Cook Drive, Douglas, ?Townsville.  It will be opportunity for you to experience this state-of-the-art facility which features a multi-million-dollar investment in new equipment, 23 new lab spaces, industry engagement and garage space, workshop, multi-modal studio and conference rooms.

The conference dinner will be held at The Beach Hotel, Townsville – an opportunity for you to Kick back and soak in the stunning views of Magnetic Island and Cleveland Bay while enjoying the best local produce North Queensland has to offer.

https://thebeachhoteltownsville.com.au/

The field trip is just a short ferry ride from Townsville to Magnetic Island which offers the natural beauty and serenity of an untouched paradise within a thriving community.

https://www.townsvillenorthqueensland.com.au/destinations/magnetic-island/

Coaches have been arranged for travel from the University to the Beach Hotel and the ferry terminal for travel to Magnetic Island.

Plan your stay

About Townsville

Tropical by nature, adventurous by design, Townsville is the laidback capital of North Queensland.

You can expect perfect weather during July, which means high temperatures and low rainfall. Daytime temperatures are expected to be around 26°C, cooling off to about 15°C at night. Experience the cooler side of the year in this month, yet it remains pleasantly warm.

Townsville in July usually receives low rainfall, averaging around 19 mm for the month.

Getting there

Townsville Airport is a major Australian regional airport that services the city of Townsville.

The airport is approximately 11 klms  from James Cook University.  It may take up to 20 mins to drive from the airport to the University campus .

Hire cars are available for collection at the Townsville Airport.  It is recommended you make a booking with your preferred hire car provider beforehand to secure a vehicle.

Taxis are available from the Airport and may cost between $30-$40 for travel to James Cook University.

Accommodation

The John Flynn College, James Cook University

150A Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, QLD, 4814, Australia

45 rooms have been reserved at The John Flynn College, James Cook University for VetEd Downunder delegates at a rate of $121 incl GST per night per room with breakfast included. Rooms will  be available for check in any time from Sunday 29 June to check out on Friday 4 July 2025.  The College has allocated rooms on  G, H, I,  R,  S deck for conference delegates.  Bathroom facilities on each deck are communal which means 4 people share a bathroom.  Each bathroom has 3 showers and 4 toilets per block. 

For more information visit:  https://www.johnflynn.org.au/

Please book your accommodation at The John Flynn College as part of your conference registration.  

Hotels

If you wish to stay at a Hotel, please make your booking directly with the hotel of your choice.

There are many hotels close to the University.   Details of two are:

Spanish Lace Motor Inn

4.4 star – pool and free parking.

106 -108 Bowen Rd, Rosslea QLD 4812

Phone: (07) 4725 1510

Web:  https://www.spanishlacemotorinn.com.au/

Colonial Rose Motel

Pool, off-street parking and on-site restaurant

23 Bowen Rd, Mundingburra QLD 4812

Phone: (07) 4725 1422

Web:  https://www.colonialrosemotel.com.au/

Alternatively, you may wish to stay on the Strand or Palmer Street, South Townsville precinct.  Both areas are lovely with views to Magnetic Island and a choice of restaurants.

Get in touch

Location

Engineering & Innovation Place,

James Cook University,

TOWNSVILLE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Contact Us

Please contact us if you would like more information about VetEd Down Under 2025.

General Enquiries –  [email protected]

Sponsorship and partnership enquiries:

Professor Margaret Reilly – [email protected]

Program and abstract enquiries:

Estelle Venter [email protected]

John Cavalieri – [email protected]

Conference secretariat: 

Jackie Kyte – [email protected]

The organisers of Vet Ed Down Under 2026 acknowledge the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which the conference will be held. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and descendants, who continue cultural and spiritual connections to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society.

James Cook University logo
Elanco logo
Lyppard Pty Ltd logo
AD Instruments logo
The Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists logo
Improve Veterinary Education logo