It was a privilege to join the veterinary education community at Harper and Keele Veterinary School for VetEd 2026. The event was a whirlwind of collaboration, insight and forward thinking debate that left the risr/ team feeling motivated about the future of the sector.
The conference programme this year offered a rich variety of sessions, ranging from student well-being and clinical skills to broader curriculum design. It was incredibly valuable for our team to step away from our booth to engage with these diverse streams, particularly the discussions surrounding the Digital Innovation and Future Adoption track. Seeing the community come together to tackle shared challenges reinforces why we do what we do.
Innovation in Action
A major highlight for us was the opportunity to share our 15-minute exhibitor showcase. As the conversation shifts toward smarter, more connected digital tools, we used this session to demonstrate how institutions can streamline workflows, from OSCE management to comprehensive ePortfolios. It was a great opportunity to discuss how technology can empower faculty rather than burden them.
Key Takeaways: Simplifying the Student Journey
Throughout the event, we spoke with many of you about the specific challenges your schools are navigating. Three core themes consistently emerged as top priorities for the coming year:
- OSCEs Made Simple: We loved discussing how our solution removes the complexity from high-stakes assessments, enabling seamless in-person or remote exams.
- Digital EMS Solution: Many of you shared interest in our approach to digitising EMS. Our system automates administrative tracking to reduce faculty burden while ensuring full RCVS compliance.
- Student-Driven Competency Tracking: Our mobile-friendly ePortfolio was a major talking point, bridging the gap between rotation feedback and compliance with AI-assisted tools for real-time clinical readiness.
A Community of Practice
Beyond the sessions, it was a pleasure to connect with so many of you. From the opening ceremony, where we shared insight on our journey and partnership with the incredible charity, Vetlife, to the unforgettable themed murder mystery dinner at Keele Hall, the sense of community was remarkable. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth to share your stories.
If you are interested in seeing how other institutions are revolutionising their assessment processes, we invite you to explore our recent success stories:
- Edinburgh Vets: The Digital OSCE Advantage – A look at transforming exam structures.
- University of Melbourne: Revolutionising Assessment – A deep dive into collaboration for success.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
If you’d like to pick up any of the discussions from the conference or have specific questions about how our platform can support your school’s unique goals, our team would love to hear from you.
Get in touch with our team today to learn more.
Stay tuned to catch the risr/ team at VetEd Europe in Bucharest, Romania this September!
