Recruiting Research Higher Degree Students into Veterinary Science

Research at veterinary schools is usually driven by post-graduate students, yet there has been little or no study of how these students are selected. We undertook a review of the challenges faced in enlisting research higher degree (RHD) students at a long-established veterinary school, the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland. Our aim was to identify the best methods of developing a strategic recruitment program that would enhance veterinary research in the school. A total of 21 academic research supervisors completed a quantitative survey assessing the associated importance placed on a variety of selection criteria and the level of potential challenges presented in recruiting suitable RHD students. Thirteen of these respondents completed a semi-structured qualitative interview to obtain further information. Respondents rated the motivation levels of potential students as the most important area of concern with regard to the assessment of student suitability, followed by their academic strength and English competency levels. The biggest challenge reported was that of obtaining sufficient funding for research projects and matching that funding to suitable students, followed by the geographical and student culture challenges of a rural campus. During the interviews, interviewees drew attention to the importance of developing a strong research culture in veterinary schools, and there was some concern centered on taking students with diverse cultural backgrounds. These constraints are discussed in light of the development of a broad-ranging strategy for developing an active and effective RHD program within veterinary schools.