Veterinary lecturer at ATU wins Nuffield Ireland Scholarship to tackle rural vet shortages

November 21, 2025

John Donlon, a veterinary lecturer at Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been awarded a Nuffield Ireland Scholarship, set to commence in the New Year.

Donlon will research “Stopping the brain drain: retaining young veterinary professionals in rural Irish communities.” Over the two-year programme, he will travel internationally, develop his research, and collaborate with the global Nuffield network to gather insights.

Donlon, who specialises in cattle health and welfare with a focus on calves, graduated from University College Dublin in 2018 and completed a PhD at UCD on housing conditions and calf pneumonia. He has worked with Teagasc to improve animal health in the dairy calf-to-beef sector and contributed to research on veterinary workforce retention.

A native of Tulla, County Clare, John joined ATU as a lecturer in May this year, playing a key role in Ireland’s new veterinary school.

He said:

I’m honoured to receive this Scholarship. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore solutions for retaining young veterinary professionals in rural communities and to learn from experts around the world.

Nuffield Ireland supports individuals across agriculture, food, and rural sectors with international travel, mentoring, and access to a worldwide network of scholars.

Donlon is one of five new Nuffield Ireland Scholars selected this year, joining individuals working on topics ranging from poultry resilience to farm succession.

His research findings will be presented at the 2027 Nuffield Ireland Conference.

Ivana Hanjs

Communications Officer

Tel: +353 89 963 9559

E: ivana.hanjs@atu.ie