Head of School
I have the privilege of writing to our alumni and friends to celebrate the many achievements of the Melbourne Veterinary School and to reflect on the remarkable contributions of our alumni community.
I am continually proud of the connections and collegial spirit that underpins our teaching, research and clinical work.
Over the past year, our school has seen significant progress across many areas. Our clinical staff have delivered outstanding veterinary care while expanding student-led learning opportunities; and our relationships with partner distributed practices and extramural studies providers have been central to our students growing into workplace-ready graduates. Research activity has flourished, with colleagues securing competitive grants, launching interdisciplinary collaborations in One Health, animal welfare and antimicrobial stewardship, and translating discoveries into tangible benefits for animals, people and communities.
I am particularly proud to reflect on the many great alumni of the Melbourne Veterinary School. Our graduates are making a profound difference across the globe — in clinical practice, government and policy, industry, conservation, research and education. Many hold leadership roles in professional associations, government agencies and international conservation initiatives; others are pioneering telemedicine, welfare innovations and sustainable livestock systems. Their achievements attest to the breadth and strength of the training and values we aim to instil.
Alumni engagement continues to be vital to the School and our students. Whether through mentorship, continuing professional development, donations that fund scholarships and facilities, or by sharing expertise with our students, our alumni help shape the future of the School and the veterinary profession. I warmly encourage graduates to stay connected, share stories of their work, and consider ways to contribute to the education and support of emerging veterinarians.
Finally, I would like to express my deep gratitude to our staff, students and alumni for their ongoing commitment. The challenges ahead — from emerging infectious diseases and climate impacts to evolving expectations for animal welfare and biosecurity — demand our collective skill, innovation and compassion. I am confident that, together, we will continue to lead, adapt and make a positive impact.
If you have not recently been to campus, I invite you to visit and see for yourself the vibrancy of our community and the exciting developments underway.
Professor Jo Devlin
Head of School, Melbourne Veterinary School