UFAW invites applications for the 2021 Animal Welfare Student Scholarships

Up to £2400 in funding available

The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) is inviting applications for its Animal Welfare Student Scholarships (including the Ruth Harrison Student Scholarship).

UFAW established the student scholarship scheme in 1983 to enable students to pursue their interests in animal welfare by providing opportunities to undertake short (up to 8 week) projects. Since the scheme began there have been over 360 scholars and the scholarships have proved to be a successful launch pad for a career in animal welfare science.

Applications are welcome from undergraduates (or equivalent) who will usually be studying agricultural, biological, psychological, veterinary or zoological sciences. However, UFAW also welcomes applications from students from other disciplines who are interested in carrying out a project related to animal welfare. Students must be registered at either a university or college in the British Isles or an overseas institution at which there is a UFAW University Link person (ufaw.org.uk/awss).  Applications from MSc students on appropriate courses will also be considered.

Projects are often carried out during the summer vacation and may be carried out within the UK or overseas.  The project must be relevant to improving the welfare of farm, laboratory, companion, zoo or free-living wild animals whose welfare is compromised by humans. Successful applicants will receive up to £2400 to cover subsistence and project expenses.

UFAW understands that some students may feel uncertain about applying for a Scholarship due to the impact of Covid-19.  UFAW’s CEO Huw Golledge said:  “In these extraordinary times UFAW is doing its best to continue supporting animal welfare science and is processing applications for funding as usual.  We understand that some of those awarded an Animal Welfare Student Scholarship may experience problems carrying out their project, and we are keen to help them overcome these issues. If their project is impacted by Covid-19 we ask them to contact us to discuss how we can help. We can offer no-cost extensions to grants in many cases and will consider any other adjustments which may help UFAW-supported activities to continue.”

The judges may also award the Ruth Harrison Student Scholarship which has been established with the support of the Farm Animal Care Trust (FACT) in memory of Ruth Harrison, whose tireless work at the Trust and seminal book Animal Machines led to reform and long-lasting improvements in farm animal welfare.

The closing date for completed applications is Sunday 28th February 2021. Further information about the scholarships and application forms can be obtained at the UFAW website www.ufaw.org.uk/awss, or by emailing goodwin@ufaw.org.uk.

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Note to editors:

The range of projects that have been undertaken by previous Animal Welfare Student Scholars has been very wide and in many cases scholars have published papers arising from their work in scientific literature (which UFAW encourages). Other scholars have gone on to undertake postgraduate research in aspects of animal welfare. UFAW encourages its past scholars to keep in touch and to remain part of the UFAW team actively promoting animal welfare.

The Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) is an internationally recognised, independent scientific and educational animal welfare charity. It works to improve knowledge and understanding of animals’ needs in order to achieve high standards of welfare for farm, companion, research, captive wild animals and those with which we interact in the wild.

UFAW improves animal welfare worldwide through its programme of awards, grants and scholarships; by educational initiatives, especially at university and college level; by providing information in books, videos, reports and in its scientific journal Animal Welfare; by providing expert advice to governments and others, including for legislation and ‘best practice’ guidelines and codes; and by working with animal keepers, scientists, vets, lawyers and all those who care about animals. This work relies on the support of members, subscribers and donors.