From January 28 to 30, the Estonian University of Life Sciences participated in the World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA) Congress 2026. The institute was represented by Dr. Felipe Corrêa (Head of the Equine Clinic), Arina Polujanenkova, and Roxane Le Coat, both members of the HYRACO board. All three participants had their scientific abstracts accepted and presented at the congress.
As one of the most influential international platforms in equine veterinary science, WEVA 2026 welcomed several hundred participants from around the world. The congress brought together researchers, clinicians, and educators, providing an exceptional forum for scientific exchange and international networking.
The participation of the Estonian University of Life Sciences reflected the institute’s growing international engagement and its contribution to globally relevant topics in equine veterinary medicine.
The international presence of the institute was particularly highlighted by the abstract presented by Roxane Le Coat, entitled “Survey of Veterinary Students’ Perceptions in Equine Practice at the Estonian University of Life Sciences.” This two-year study addressed a critical global challenge in equine veterinary medicine: workforce shortages despite the worldwide expansion of equine production. Survey data collected in 2023 and 2025 demonstrated that student interest in equine practice increased when knowledge, training opportunities, and access to equine-focused initiatives became more available. While the 2023 data showed a substantial decline in interest during the course of studies, the later results indicated reduced negative perceptions, greater willingness to engage in equine student associations, and stronger intentions to pursue a career in equine practice. These findings reflect the significant positive developments at the Equine Clinic in recent years, including high levels of student participation and a growing number of interns who continue with a second internship abroad.
In addition to high-level academic exchange, students Arina and Roxane had the opportunity to visit the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University. Founded in 1935, this faculty is ranked number one in Thailand and is well known for its excellence in research, academic services, and the training of skilled and ethical graduates. This meeting marked the beginning of an inter-student relationship between IVSA Thailand, IVSA Estonia, and HYRACO, as well as an expansion of inter-university relations at the international level.
Overall, the institute’s first participation in WEVA 2026 underscored both its scientific contribution and its commitment to addressing workforce sustainability in equine veterinary medicine through education, research, and international collaboration. This achievement represents an important step forward for the institute and sets a strong precedent for future participation in high-impact international conferences.
Editor:
Communications specialist
Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
Administration of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
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