Education, Research and Academia

Shaping veterinary knowledge and mentoring the next generation.

VERA is the professional community for veterinarians working in universities, research institutions, government bodies, TAFEs, and allied academic settings. The people responsible for shaping veterinary knowledge and mentoring the next generation of the profession.

Members come from across the full spectrum of education and research, from curriculum design and clinical teaching to translational science and policy-facing research.

Through CPD tailored to academic and research careers, opportunities to contribute to AVA education policy, and a cross-sector community spanning universities, government, and clinical education, VERA supports the individuals driving the profession’s intellectual foundation. If your work shapes how veterinary science is taught, practised, or advanced, VERA is where you belong.

You are shaping the future of the profession.

Veterinarians in education, research and academia play a critical role in the future of veterinary science, yet the specific challenges of academic and research careers are often underrepresented within the broader profession.

VERA exists to change that. Bringing together educators, researchers and academics who understand the rewards and pressures of working at the intersection of science, education and professional practice.

“We’re shaping the future of veterinary practice — through what we teach, what we research, and how we connect science to the real world.” — VERA Member

Why join VERA?

Community and Connection

Connect with others working in veterinary education and research.

Academic and research careers can feel isolated in ways that clinical practice rarely is. VERA brings together veterinarians across universities, TAFEs, government and research organisations to create meaningful cross-sector connection and conversation.

  • Cross-sector dialogue: connection across universities, clinical educators, TAFE trainers, and researchers 
  • Online forum (in development): a place to share insights, raise questions, and grow together 
  • Recognition: the VERA Excellence in Teaching Award, celebrating outstanding contributions to veterinary education 

Knowledge and CPD

Learning designed for veterinary educators and researchers.

VERA’s CPD reflects the realities of academic and research careers, covering educational delivery, assessment design, research translation and the evolving landscape of veterinary training.

Whether you are stepping into teaching for the first time or are an experienced academic looking to stay connected to the broader profession, VERA offers learning that is genuinely relevant to your work.

  • Webinars: collaborations with other SIGs on education, assessment, and training 
  • Workshops: online and in-person sessions focused on teaching, assessment design and research translation
  • Conference sessions: VERA-generated content integrated into AVA conference programming 
  • Member resources: access to e-news, teaching tools and academic updates
  • Support for clinicians becoming educators: guidance on curriculum roles and student supervision in practice 

Influence and advocacy

Shape the profession from the inside. 

VERA plays a vital role in the policy and academic foundations of veterinary practice in Australia. Members contribute to AVA education policy, advocate for student experience and workforce preparation, and help bridge the gap between academia and professional governance. When decisions are made about curriculum standards, placement requirements, or the future shape of veterinary training, VERA members are the ones with the expertise – and the voice – to influence them. 

  • Input into AVA education policy: curriculum standards, placement, and future workforce preparation 
  • Research amplification: helping members share findings and connect with collaborators across the profession
  • Academic advocacy: representing the perspectives of educators and researchers within the AVA and broader veterinary sector 

Learning & Events

Advance your career with CPD courses, webinars, conferences, and events across Australia.

VIEW ALL Learning & Events

  • On-Demand | VERA Webinar | Artificial intelligence in veterinary education and practice:What’s out there, what are the challenges and opportunities | Dr Kate Worthing

    Education Research and Academia
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

    Register

  • On-Demand VERA Webinar | Use of systems thinking in healthcare and applications to veterinary science | Dr Erika Meler

    Education Research and Academia
    Open for registration

    0.5 CPD Points

    Register

Connect with your VERA colleagues on the AVA Member Hub (Circle)

The AVA Member Hub, powered by Circle, is AVA’s online community platform. It gives you a dedicated space to connect with your colleagues across Australia, tap into expertise and stay engaged beyond events and conferences. 

Not on the Member Hub yet? Click on the button below for more information:

AVA Member Hub (Circle)

ALL ACCESS

Max Value
  • Event Advantage discounts (Save $400+ per event)
  • Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library
  • VERA specific resources
  • AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network

FLEXI

The essentials
  • Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library
  • AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network

CONNECTED

Community connection
  • Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library - $25
  • AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network

STUDENT

Start your career
  • Event Advantage discounts (Student rate)
  • Live and on-demand webinars & CPD library
  • AVA Member Hub (Circle) - directory & social network

Do you have a question about VERA?

We would love to hear from you. 

Whether you want to know more about VERA membership, have a question about the awards, or just want to find out if VERA is right for you – get in touch via  members@ava.com.au . Our team responds to all enquiries within three business days.