UFAW Vacation Scholarship Awards

 

First awarded in 1983, over 230 students have benefited from the scholarships, which aim to provide opportunities for students to develop their interests in animal welfare, encourage a scientific approach to the issues, and establish a starting point for further, longer-term research into improving the lives of animals. Amongst other animals, the welfare of laying hens, laboratory mice, free-ranging goats, deer, dogs, European Storm petrels hedgehogs, rabbits, tethered sows, chimpanzees, zebra finches, stall-housed horses and bottlenose dolphins have all been looked at, with the results of a number of the studies finding their way into the scientific literature.

 

The vacation scholarships have also been a successful launch pad for a career in animal welfare science, with a number going onto to supervise scholars  themselves, including:

Dr Natalie Waran, Unitec New Zealand (1987 – The use of self-feeding silage systems by dairy cattle);

Dr Alison Hanlon, University College Dublin (1990 – Factors influencing fawn mortality in Phoenix Park);

Dr Deborah Wells, Queen’s University Belfast (1991 – The behaviour of dogs in a USPCA shelter) and

Dr Victoria Melfi, Paignton Zoo/University of Exeter (1997 - A comparative behavioural study of captive & wild troops of crested Sulawesi black macaques: with an integration of conservation and animal welfare).

 

Additionally, many other scholars have gone onto to undertake MSc’s or PhD’s in the field and advance the cause of animal welfare.

 

In recent years, the scholars have also been asked to present their finding at the annual meeting held in universities around the UK. These free-to-all, popular meetings have proved to be very enjoyable and successful occasions, with the scholars reinforcing the impression that animal welfare science attracts the some of the brightest and best.

We very much like to hear what our vacation scholars go on to do after their completing their scholarships and so do our members. Please send us an email letting us know what you are doing now and, perhaps, even a photo of yourself!

 

 

 

Other words of support for the UFAW vacation scholarships:

  • Professor Clive Phillips, University of Queensland -  the scholarships offer ‘a great opportunity for students to focus their study on animal welfare. Keep up the good work!’ 
  • Professor Ian Duncan , University of Guelph ‘I would like to congratulate UFAW ………… and wish you every success with this excellent scholarship scheme in the future.’ 
  • Professor Sandra Edwards, University of Newcastle ‘I ……would like to thank UFAW for their continuing support of these vacation scholarships. I think these are an important way of introducing students to animal welfare research and often stimulate interest which progresses to a longer term career in this area.’

 

Who is eligible to apply?

Applications are welcome from undergraduates (or equivalent) in agricultural, biological, medical, veterinary or zoological sciences. Students must be registered at a university or college in the British Isles or an overseas institution at which there is a UFAW University Links representative. Preference is given to undergraduates, but applications from MSc students on appropriate courses will also be considered. Application forms are available from UFAW, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Herts AL4 8AN. THIS AWARD IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2008.

How much is the award?

Successful applicants receive £140 subsistence and £30 departmental expenses for every week of study up to a maximum of £1360 (eight weeks). Projects are normally conducted during the summer vacation (June - September) and last between four and eight weeks. Projects do not have to be carried out in the UK but no extra money is available for travel costs.

What is involved?

Vacation scholarship research projects must have clear relevance to improving the well-being of farm, laboratory, companion, wild or zoo animals. It is a strict requirement that projects do not include work which would normally be carried out as part of a student's course although extensions of course work are acceptable. Students are encouraged to design their own project proposals, but they should seek guidance from tutors and heads of department to ensure the proposal has a sound scientific methodology, that all necessary facilities are available, and that the work will be properly supervised. Alternatively, supervisors who find a suitable candidate can apply.

Applying for an award

All applications should be submitted on an application form (available from UFAW). The form asks for a concise outline of the proposed study and, where applicable, reference to scientific papers or other work relevant to the investigation. Applications must include a reference from the supervisor and comments by the Head of Department. If a student is to conduct the project at an external establishment (eg zoo or research institute) they must seek prior permission in writing from the appropriate person (eg curator, director).

Applications should include details of:

  • the number and type of animals to be studied,

  • experimental methods (eg type of behavioural observation, statistical tests),

  • whether the project is to be carried out under a Home Office licence,

  • how any significant findings will be used and/or made available to others (eg publications/presentations).

Closing date 28th February 2008. However, it is strongly advised that applications reach UFAW considerably earlier than this as we strictly adhere to the deadline. PLEASE NOTE THIS AWARD IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2008.

The applications will be assessed by a panel of judges and then all applicants will be notified of the outcome of this process. Successful students will receive full details and administrative notes at this stage.

The final report

On completion of the experimental work, students must write up and submit an original copy of the full report, including an abstract, by 1st November of the same year. Reports should be typed and spiral bound and must be accompanied by at least one photograph or slide of good quality which is relevant to the work and which can be used to illustrate the project in the UFAW News-sheet or Annual Report.

The work carried out by scholars should be regarded as confidential to UFAW unless permission to publish is specifically requested. Copies of any publications arising from the work should be forwarded to UFAW.

Examples of recent vacation scholarships

  • Evaluation of pain and distress associated with equine castration

  • Social housing of chimpanzees: the effects of group size and structure on social behaviour and relationships

  • Effects of light spectrum on the behaviour of fish in laboratory aquaria

  • Investigating the behavioural consequences of positive handling of pre-parturient heifers prior to introduction to a dairy herd

  • Evaluation of the use of a mirror as a form of enrichment for group-housed mice.

 

Where are they now? Some news about past Vacation Scholars

Click here to download a full list of past Vacation Scholarships

 

 

Applying for a Vacation Scholarship - NOW CLOSED FOR 2008

Application forms are available from UFAW, The Old School, Brewhouse Hill, Wheathampstead, Herts AL4 8AN. THIS AWARD IS NOW CLOSED FOR 2008.