Veterinary and entomology buildings opened by Princess Royal

Posted 27 January 2015

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Harper Adams University Chancellor, HRH The Princess Royal, returned to the campus today to launch two developments that will significantly enhance teaching and research. 

The Chancellor officially opened the Veterinary Services Centre (VSC), which has been developed to provide high quality facilities for the University’s growing numbers of veterinary physiotherapy students, and the Jean Jackson Entomology Building, which houses laboratories dedicated to the study of insects.

Vice-Chancellor, Dr David Llewellyn said: "The University offers a wide range of subjects beyond agriculture, so it was good to be able to show our Chancellor two new facilities related to our courses in veterinary sciences and entomology. These developments further underline our commitment to provide an outstanding educational experience for our students, as well as the resources required for ground-breaking research.

“The Chancellor was also able to meet some of our staff and students, including Stephanie Gunn, who was a member of the GB squad that won the world student riding championships recently held in Florida, and they greatly enjoyed the opportunity to speak to Her Royal Highness. It is always a pleasure to welcome the Chancellor to the University and we greatly value her support and her interest in our work."

An extension to the existing Veterinary Nursing building, the VSC comprises treatment rooms, a canine hydrotherapy suite and external exercise/assessment facilities for canine and equine cases. Animals used for teaching include referrals from local veterinary practices and the university has access to horses at Twemlows Stud Farm, 20 minutes’ drive from the campus.

After opening the centre, the Chancellor moved outside to a demonstration of equine physiotherapy. 

The Chancellor then opened the Jean Jackson Entomology Building, which was developed to support the University’s expanding portfolio of entomology teaching and research. It provides Controlled Temperature and Lighting rooms (CTL) in addition to general laboratory facilities. CTL rooms allow students and staff to replicate environments that support the growth of beneficial insects, pests and predators throughout the year 

The entomology laboratories were formed by converting an existing sustainable building, a project kick-started by a generous donation of £200,000 from the Jean Jackson Charitable Trust.

Events concluded with a reception on campus, at which the Chancellor met staff, students and invited guests. She was presented with gifts of flowers, from veterinary physiotherapy undergraduate student Hannah Taylor, and a basket of Shropshire produce by Kelleigh Greene, postgraduate entomology student.