Bayley Martin-Towers, a student of the Biomedical Sciences degree programme, recently undertook an undergraduate biomedical sciences project focused on improving understanding of anthelmintic resistance in farmed ruminants. The opportunity provided the student with first-hand experience working at the interface of animal health, epidemiology, and data management—an experience that has both deepened their academic knowledge and expanded their professional and academic horizons.
SEBI-livestock supervised Bayley’s work as part of a collaborative initiative between the Deanery of Biomedical Sciences and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (R(D)SVS), both in the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, at the University of Edinburgh. The project aimed to establish the prevalence and impact of anthelmintic resistance using evidence synthesis methodology to streamline the collection and synthesis of available data —critical steps contributing to improving global animal health, food security, and livelihoods.
During the placement, Bayley worked to deliver a comprehensive assessment of existing data and propose strategic improvements. She was supervised by Rob Kelly, Lecturer in Veterinary Parasitology and experienced Clinician in Production Animal Practice, focused on research to improve livestock infectious disease control in resource limited settings, and our colleague Fiona Allan, a Researcher in Animal Health at SEBI-Livestock.
Reflecting on her experience, Bayley revealed what she enjoyed most about the project:
“Delving into parasitology and learning more about helminth infections, control strategies, and the emergence of resistance—particularly how anthelmintic resistance parallels antibiotic resistance—was incredibly enriching. It gave me the chance to broaden my perspective beyond my usual focus and communicate why this issue deserves more attention.”
Looking ahead, Bayley hopes to continue her education to MSc and potentially PhD level, and work in the sphere of international animal health policy and data innovation. They credit the placement with helping to clarify their career path and reinforce their commitment to evidence-based approaches in veterinary science.
At SEBI-Livestock, we recognise the value in supporting undergraduates and their early careers to be involved in global data development. This experience underlines the value of academic partnerships in preparing the next generation of researchers, whose work is affecting policies and government decisions. As global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic disease emergence, and climate change continue to evolve, empowering students with real-world experience will remain crucial in building a resilient and informed animal health workforce.