Like all higher and academic education, veterinary training should be independent. As this is no longer a given in all parts of the world, the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE) has published a position paper on the independence and academic autonomy in veterinary education.
Academic freedom and scientific integrity
‘Veterinary education must be protected from political, ideological or commercial pressures that may hinder academic excellence or compromise public trust.’ In its position paper on the autonomy of veterinary academic education, EAEVE commits to upholding the principles of ‘fairness, transparency and academic self-governance.’
Independence, ‘the foundation of scientific and professional integrity’
EAEVE recalls that autonomy of veterinary teaching establishments is essential to:
- Advance knowledge in veterinary clinical sciences, animal health, public health and food safety;
- Maintain high standards in veterinary training and practice;
- Encourage interdisciplinary research and collaboration within the One Health model;
- Ensure that future veterinarians are equipped to serve society in an impartial, ethical and scientifically rigorous manner.
‘Training based on research and scientific evidence’
Independence of veterinary academic programmes will help ensure that future generations of veterinarians are educated ‘through training based on research and scientific evidence.’ EAEVE also supports a veterinary profession ‘that welcomes a diversity of experiences, perspectives and roles’, with ‘a place for everyone.’
‘Freedom to question, innovate and teach’
‘Robust veterinary education relies not only on technical training but also on the freedom to question, innovate and teach according to evidence-based practices.’ Together with FVE, EAEVE evaluates veterinary teaching establishments through the European System of Evaluation of Veterinary Training (ESEVT).
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