Influencing for Impact – Translating animal welfare research into law & policy
UFAW/AWRN Seminar Series
Online
Animal welfare research allows us to understand animals’ needs and how to meet them to ensure that their welfare is as good as possible.
However, research is only impactful if it actually leads to improvements to the way we interact with animals. One of the most powerful ways to ensure animal welfare science has a real-world impact on animal welfare is through legal and regulatory changes. However, many scientists don’t have a good understanding of the policy process and how to ensure that policymakers and regulators are made aware of their research and use it to shape policy.
To address this gap UFAW & AWRN (Animal Welfare Research Network) are organising a series of seminars where animal law experts, policymakers, regulators, campaigners and others will explain the basics of UK animal law and the best routes for scientists to get their research into policy .
Confirmed speakers include:
- Rt. Hon. George Eustice, Penbroath Consulting/Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Mike Radford OBE, Reader in Animal Welfare Law in the University of Aberdeen
-
Helen Tedds, Hartpury University
-
Andrew Voas, Scottish Government
- Alick Simmons, Former UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Surgeon
- Claire Bass, Senior Director Campaigns and Public Affairs, Humane World for Animals
After attending the seminar series, participants will have a better understanding of the UK legal and regulatory framework for animals and how best to interact with those involved in policymaking to ensure that their research has maximal impact for animal welfare.
The online seminars will be held at lunchtime 13.00-14.30 on irregular Thursdays starting in May 2025. Seminars will typically consist of a talk combined with extensive time for participants to discuss issues raised with the speaker.
Approved by the Royal Society of Biology for purposes of CPD, each seminar may be counted as 3 CPD points.
Seminar Dates
1 May 2025
Mike Radford OBE (University of Aberdeen)
BSc, MSc, PhD, Influencer : science, policy, and you
15 May 2025
Mike Radford OBE (University of Aberdeen)
Why were we not taught this at school? The legislative landscape, and you
29 May 2025
Helen Tedds (Hartpury University)
How to keep up to date on animal welfare policy and legislation
12 June 2025
Andrew Voas (Scottish Government)
Evidence based policy making
3 July 2025
Rt Hon George Eustice (Penbroath Consulting/Former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Policymaking from a Minster's perspective
Date to be confirmed
Alick Simmons (Former UK Deputy Chief Veterinary Surgeon)
Date to be confirmed
Claire Bass (Senior Director Campaigns and Public Affairs, Humane World for Animals)
To register to attend the series please complete the form below or scan the QR code.
