The Murdoch University Veterinary Fund, commonly referred to as the Vet Fund, plays a vital role in advancing veterinary science and education at Murdoch University. Comprised of generous philanthropic donations, the Fund supports both the University’s Veterinary School and its Animal Hospital, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff have the resources they need to excel in their education, research, and practice.

Origins and Evolution

The Vet Fund traces its roots back to 1998, when it was originally established as The Murdoch University Veterinary Trust.  For two decades, the Trust provided funding to support the growth and development of veterinary education and care at the university.

In 2018, the Trust was formally wound up and the initiative was restructured and renamed the Murdoch University Veterinary Fund. This change reflected a new phase in its operation. It maintains a continued commitment to supporting the veterinary sciences, while adopting an updated governance and funding model.

Purpose and Management

At its core, the principal role of the Vet Fund remains steadfast: to support veterinary science at Murdoch University by contributing to the University’s Veterinary School and Animal Hospital. This includes funding for research, education, and the acquisition of new equipment - all essential components of a thriving veterinary program.

Management of the Fund is a collaborative effort. It is jointly overseen by Murdoch University’s Office of Alumni and Philanthropy and the Veterinary Fund Committee. All Committee members bar one are veterinarians. These veterinarians provide representation from the School of Veterinary Medicine, Alumni, and the veterinary community. Representatives also have strong connections into the wider animal producing and owning communities. Decisions on how the money is spent rest with the Committee, which holds two funding rounds each year.

During these rounds, staff and students from the Veterinary School and Animal Hospital can submit disbursement requests. These proposals may seek funding for a variety of needs, from educational tools and learning resources, to new research projects or medical equipment. The Committee evaluates each request and determines which initiatives align most closely with the Fund’s goals.

Priority Areas and Funding Philosophy

While the Vet Fund supports a wide range of projects, education is considered the top priority. As such, funding proposals that directly contribute to student learning and educational outcomes are usually the most common to receive support.

The amount disbursed by the Fund each year is not fixed. Instead, it varies based on the volume and nature of the requests submitted. A key financial principle guiding the Fund is sustainability. To preserve its capital for the long term, the Committee aims to limit disbursements to the interest generated by the Fund, rather than drawing down the core capital itself.

Key Projects Funded

Since its establishment, the fund has supported critical research, educational resources and state-of-the-art equipment. These have included:

• Purchase of a state of the art digital pathology slide scanner that significantly enhances the educational capabilities of The School of Veterinary Medicine. The scanner is utilised for teaching purposes across multiple units and courses, such as anatomy, physiology, general and systemic pathology for veterinary students studying histology.
• Purchase of clinical skills laboratory models and simulations to further support student training in practical skills. These purchases include Cattle VR Headsets – used for large animal handling simulations and Breed’n betsy simulators – supporting bovine and equine reproductive training.
• Supporting research for the development of a Portable PCR test for canines in remote communities to diagnose bacteria transmitted by ticks and the analytical validation of two hand-held whole-blood ketone meters for use in cats in Australia.

Public Involvement and Future Impact

The general public is more than welcome to contribute to the Vet Fund. Donations help ensure that Murdoch University’s veterinary programs remain at the forefront of education and care, benefiting not only students and the School, but also the broader community through improved animal health services and innovative research.

The Murdoch University Veterinary Fund remains a cornerstone of veterinary advancement at the University. Through careful stewardship, strategic funding, and great public support, it continues to make a meaningful difference to the lives of animals and those who care for them.