Marcus Blagrove MSci DPhil (Oxon) ARCS FHEA Marcus is a virologist who is broadly interested in what governs the interactions between viruses and their hosts. His current research interests now focus on two main areas: 1) Investigating vector competence for arboviruses. He is particularly interested in the three-way interactions between environment, virus and mosquito; and the effect of these interactions on transmission. He is investigating the temperature optima, minima and maxima for both mosquito and virus, and hence which regions are at risk from invasive or endemic mosquitoes and viruses (both now and under future climate scenarios). Marcus is also interested in the potential for viruses to adapt to different conditions, and consequently, the risk they may pose in the future. 2) Prediction of virus and host associations in order to anticipate and prevent future pandemics and virus spill-over from animal to humans. Marcus is interested in predicting which animals viruses can infect, ‘hide’ in, and spill-over from into human populations. Which animals can harbour co-infections of related viruses is also of great interest, as many viruses, including coronaviruses, can genetically recombine to form novel viruses when they co-infect the same individual. Marcus gained an undergraduate and Master's degree in Biology from Imperial College London (2005-2009), before completing his doctorate at the University of Oxford in using and understanding Wolbachia as a means to induce cytoplasmic incompatibility and block dengue and chikungunya virus transmission in the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (2009-2013). Since then, he has worked as a Postdoctoral Research Associate, through to now, a Senior Lecturer, at the University of Liverpool.

Dr Jane Boswell MA VetMB CertVA CertES (Orth) DipECVS MRCVS is an RCVS- and ECVS-recognised Specialist in Equine Surgery. Jane graduated from Cambridge University and after completing an internship and residency in equine surgery at the Royal Veterinary College, she joined Liphook Equine Hospital in 2000, later becoming a Partner and Clinical Director. Her clinical interests include equine orthopaedics, colic surgery and advanced diagnostic imaging, particularly MRI in the investigation and management of lameness. In 2025, she moved from clinical practice to join the Veterinary Defence Society as a Claims Consultant.

Mark Bowen BVetMed MMedSci(MedEd) PhD CertVA CertEM(IntMed) DipACVIM, DipECEIM, DipECVSMR, PFHEA, FRCVS Mark Bowen is a past president of BEVA and pioneer and author of BEVA’s PROTECT ME Toolkit. He is an independent internal medicine specialist offering peripatetic and in-yard specialist care in equine cardiology and all other aspects of internal medicines, dermatology and ophthalmology. Mark is also chair of the HBLB Codes of Practice committee and a member of its veterinary advisory committee, a member of the VMDs Veterinary Products Committee and a consultant for Dechra Veterinary Products. Mark is also the Director of Education in EBVS where he champions specialist education and assessment across EBVS’s 27 specialist colleges.

Penny Brownings RVN MRCVS BAEDT Penny has been part of the team at Cliffe Equine Hospital for over three decades, beginning her career there in 1994. During her early years at the hospital she developed extensive experience in equine nursing and went on to serve as Head Nurse for ten years, playing a key role in supporting both the veterinary team and the training of nursing staff. In 2007, Penny expanded her professional focus by qualifying as an Equine Dental Technician after successfully passing the BEVA/BVDA examinations. Since then, she has dedicated her career solely to equine dentistry, building a wealth of practical experience and a strong reputation in the field. Alongside her clinical work, Penny is passionate about education and professional development within the industry. She has mentored several apprentices over the years and is actively involved in helping other equine dental technicians prepare for their professional examinations. She particularly enjoys supporting candidates through exam preparation and contributing to the continued development of high standards within equine dentistry.

Liz Brown MA VetMB CertVA CertEP MRCVS Liz qualified from Cambridge University and subsequently worked in equine hospital and ambulatory practice in Leicestershire, Sussex and Lambourn, working with racing and sports horses. In 2014 she established her own practice focusing on sports horses. Liz was appointed as team vet to the British Eventing team in 2009, and works with the UK Sport World Class Programme to prepare successful teams for Olympic Games and championships. She has travelled extensively with British competitors, including to Olympic Games in Hong Kong, London, Rio, Tokyo and Paris and with multiple gold medal winning teams at European and World Championships. Highlights for the team include winning Team Gold at the Tokyo and Paris Olympic Games. Lizs practice work is primarily orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging, sports medicine and prepurchase examinations. Her interests are management and training of the sports horse to promote health, optimise performance, and prevent injury; and to educate & work with riders, grooms, coaches & stakeholders to help build a successful culture that prioritises horse welfare.

Rebecca Bruford BSc (Hons), NCert (Anaesth), RVN A Registered Veterinary Nurse since 2014, she has spent her career working within an equine referral setting and is currently Head Nurse at the University of Liverpool’s Leahurst Equine Hospital. She has a particular interest in anaesthesia and holds a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing (NCert) in Anaesthesia and Analgesia. Her role combines both clinical and non-clinical responsibilities, reflecting her passion for advancing standards within equine practice. She has also contributed to the development of equine nursing within CVS and BEVA. Alongside her clinical work, she enjoys organising and supporting veterinary events, alongside FEI, The BHA and The Jockey Club. Outside of work, she stays busy with her working cocker spaniel.