Altano new grad bursary winners set to investigate BEVA Congress 2026

Five newly qualified veterinary surgeons have been selected as the winners of this year's Altano New Grad Bursary Competition, receiving support towards their attendance at BEVA Congress 2026.

The bursary, kindly supported by Altano, provides each winner with £250 towards accommodation and £100 towards Congress registration, helping them make the most of the profession's premier equine veterinary event.

This year's winners represent a diverse range of career paths, from interns in busy referral hospitals to mixed practitioners and even a new practice owner. Together, they'll take on an exciting role as our New Grad Detectives, investigating five key areas of Congress life: innovation, networking, clinical skills, wellbeing and career development. Throughout the week, they'll be reporting back on their discoveries, sharing insights, experiences and practical take-home messages with fellow recent graduates.

Meet the new grad detectives

Hanna Eliis Talving is currently undertaking an internship at Cotts Equine Hospital, where she enjoys the variety of cases, from orthopaedic examinations and surgery to anaesthesia and complex medicine cases. With a particular passion for orthopaedics and imaging, Hanna is looking forward to exploring the latest developments in these areas at Congress, while also connecting with other new graduates and learning from colleagues at every stage of their careers.

Ellie Rowland works at Hird & Partners LLP's Sheffield Equine Clinic and loves the variety that equine practice offers. Drawn to the blend of clinical work, problem-solving and client relationships, Ellie is excited to catch up with colleagues, meet new people and discover fresh ideas that she can take back into practice.

Olga Mackiw, a 2023 graduate veterinarian, recently fulfilled her ambition of establishing her own practice, Baltic Horses Equine Field Practice, in Jelenia Góra, Poland. Following a BEVA-recognised internship abroad, Olga returned home determined to create the kind of working environment she wanted to see in the profession. Alongside her strong interest in orthopaedics, podiatry, diagnostic imaging and equine welfare, she is keen to gain inspiration on business development and interpersonal skills during Congress.

Laura Ingham is currently completing an equine internship at Oakham Veterinary Hospital and has a particular interest in internal medicine. Enjoying the challenges and variety of hospital practice, Laura is especially interested in emergency medicine, cardiology and neonatology. At Congress, she is looking forward to reconnecting with friends and colleagues, expanding her professional network and hearing about the latest research and developments in equine internal medicine.

Katie Crisp originally qualified as a veterinary physiotherapist before graduating from the University of Bristol Veterinary School and joining the Equine and Farm team at White Lodge Veterinary Clinic in Somerset in 2024. Working across mixed practice, Katie enjoys the diversity of her role and is developing a particular interest in equine reproduction and lameness investigations. When she's not travelling between calls with her cocker spaniel, Borage, she's likely to be found baking, clay pigeon shooting or exploring the Exmoor countryside. At Congress, Katie is looking forward to expanding her knowledge, meeting colleagues from across the profession and discovering new ideas to take back to practice.

As Congress approaches, keep an eye on BEVA's channels to follow the new grad detectives on their mission. From uncovering clinical pearls and innovative ideas to gathering networking tips and wellbeing advice, they'll be sharing their findings throughout the week and helping fellow recent graduates make the most of everything BEVA Congress has to offer.