Centenary Research Award for Animal Welfare

Centenary Research Award for Animal Welfare is sponsored by Unknown (Administered via Science for Animal Welfare). The Centenary Research Award provides major research funding for projects addressing significant animal welfare challenges or fundamental questions in animal welfare science.

Centenary Research Award - Science for Animal Welfare To celebrate 100 years of advancing animal welfare through science we are launching a £250,000 Centenary Research Award. Deadline for concept notes: Anticipated project duration: Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW) celebrates its centenary in 2026 .

Since 1926, we have been advancing the science that shapes how animals are treated around the world, from animals used in research and farmed animals to wildlife and species that often get overlooked. Scientific enquiry is one of the most powerful and practical ways to improve the lives of animals.

Science for Animal Welfare works to increase our understanding of what matters to animals and turn that understanding into real-world change for animals. Over the past century we have funded independent research, helped establish the 3Rs as the global framework for humane use of animals in research, and fundamentally shaped animal welfare science and standards worldwide.

Research we have funded has produced novel methods for assessing animal welfare, delivered refinements that improve the lives of millions of animals each year, and helped launch the careers of scientists now leading the field. We expect this Centenary Research Award to make a contribution on the same scale.

The only condition (for the topic) is that the project must seek to address either 1) a major animal welfare challenge in terms of severity, duration, and number of animals affected or at risk, or 2) a fundamental animal welfare question. This is a two-stage application process. By 31 December 2026: Initially, applicants are asked to submit a brief Concept Note (complete with curriculum vitae(s) and publications lists) using this form.

By 28 February 2027: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. (Please note that an invitation to submit a detailed proposal is not a guarantee that the project will be funded). 15 May 2027: Deadline for full, invited applications.

Detailed proposals will be peer-reviewed, and any queries raised by reviewers will be shared with applicants to allow them to respond prior to final selection of the successful application. We may also call short-listed applicants for interview before making an award. We aim to announce the successful applicant by the end of August 2027 .

It is expected that research projects would begin late 2027 or early 2028 . We will assess applications against: Animal welfare impact – how significant is the project’s likely impact on animal welfare? (This can include increasing our understanding of the severity of a welfare problem.)

Sc ientific nove lty, qualit y and ri gour – we expect research funded by us to be novel, ethically sound, and designed to deliver robust results. C a ree r develop ment fo r the resear chers i nvolved – ideally, we want our support to advance the careers of the researchers involved, so the impact lasts beyond the funding period. Applicants from anywhere in the world are welcome to apply.

However, please be aware that sometimes, for reasons beyond our control (such as international sanctions) Science for Animal Welfare may not be able to make certain awards. The principal applicant must be affiliated with a research institute or other organisation that can host the project and administer the funds. Co-funded projects are welcome, though this is not a requirement.

What can the money be used for? We will provide up to £250,000 to support a research project seeking to address either a major animal welfare challenge OR a fundamental animal welfare question, as outlined above. The project duration must be at least 2 years, and may be up to 4 years, starting in late 2027 or early 2028The award can be used to cover salaries and research costs up to a maximum value of £250,000.

Science for Animal Welfare does not usually support university overheads. A summary budget is required in the Concept Note, and a detailed budget will be required at the full application stage. Please upload files in a PDF format, and read the Terms and Conditions for Science for Animal Welfare Research Grants carefully before applying.

Applications can be made using the Apply Now button. Closing date 31 December 2026. Uploaded files must be in PDF format.

Please read carefully the Terms and Conditions for Science for Animal Welfare Research Grants before submitting an application. Carefully read our terms and conditions before applying If further information is required, please contact Science for Animal Welfare directly via email or contact us .

Related awards and grants This grant application form is to apply for over £5,000 to support research projects that expand our understanding of animals’… This grant application form is to apply for up to £5,000 to support research projects that expand our understanding of… WordPress website theme by whoisAndyWhite Science for Animal Welfare is the International Society for Advancing Animal Welfare Through Science.

Your support enables Science for Animal Welfare to continue its work to improve animal welfare through science, education, and practical change. Your support helps ensure that animals are cared for in ways that are informed by scientific evidence and focused on what matters to them.

Understand animal welfare Despite many advances in animal care and increasing concern about animal welfare, many animals still suffer unnecessarily due to our lack of understanding of their needs and how best to meet them.

Use our genetic welfare of companion animals resource to find out about inherited welfare problems of dogs, cats, guinea pigs and other companion animals and the checks to make with breeders or suppliers to avoid buying affected or carrier animals.

Science for Animal Welfare supports scientists with a range of resources designed to advance animal welfare science, including research funding and grants, guidance and information, and opportunities to publish and share work. We enable scientists to make connections through our LINKs scheme and support the development of their skills through our mentoring and scholarship schemes.

Animal Welfare is Science for Animal Welfare’s international animal welfare science journal. It’s impact factor places it in the top quartile of the field.

Read the latest from Animal Welfare Science for Animal Welfare organises events throughout the year including international conferences, specialist symposia and meetings on key themes, and seminars or workshops aimed at translating research into policy and practice, all with a strong emphasis on knowledge exchange, collaboration and networking.