The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre for Risk Analysis and Modelling was delighted to host the Society of Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine (SVEPM) annual conference in London this March.

The event set a new record, attracting 300 international delegates to a comprehensive three‑day programme of workshops, oral presentations, poster sessions and networking activities.

The Collaborating Centre made a substantial contribution to the conference, delivering a dedicated Economics of One Health workshop and showcasing its latest research through three oral presentations, four poster pitches and 32 scientific posters.  The centre also organised an Early Career Researchers event with a focus on effective science communication.

The invited keynote lectures were extremely well received. Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), shared insights into how epidemiological tools inform policy and decision‑making, while Professor Lisa Boden, Head of Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and Dean of Veterinary Medicine, delivered a thought‑provoking talk on the role of empathy in epidemiology.

Overall, it was a fantastic conference. Delegates had the opportunity to reconnect with long‑standing colleagues and friends, form new professional relationships, expand their networks, and deepen their knowledge in the field of veterinary epidemiology.