Congratulations to Dr Ruhnke who successfully completed a two-day examination to qualify as a Diplomate of the European College of Veterinarian of Comparative Nutrition (ECVCN) – the first UNE academic to do so.

The exceptional achievement qualifies Dr Ruhnke as a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, called a Diplomate, and marks her as a world expert specialising in the prevention, treatment, and management of diseases and conditions affecting animals using nutrition.

In order to become a Diplomate, candidates have to complete four years of rigorous formal training and pass an intensive multipart, multiday examination. The qualification can only be pursued through one of two veterinary nutrition speciality colleges worldwide – the American College of Veterinary Nutrition (ACVN) and the ECVCN.  

Globally, there are currently 41 European accredited Diplomates in Veterinary Nutrition, representing the highest qualified veterinarians in this profession. Dr Ruhnke became the 42nd.

Dr. Ruhnke is currently leading a nation-wide, multidisciplinary research project to help egg farmers boost hen health and production. Her new status as Diplomate, which reflects her international expertise in the field, will contribute to strengthen the global, and especially European network of Australian egg producers, and support UNE’s reputation for international excellence in the field of animal nutrition, specifically poultry nutrition.