Innovative Research Funding Opportunity for Animal Welfare Projects (UK)

Deadline: 10-May-2026

The Animal Welfare Foundation has opened its 2026 Research Call, offering £80,000 to support innovative, researcher-led projects aimed at improving the welfare of managed animal species. The funding supports practising vets, vet nurses, and researchers in the UK to conduct evidence-driven studies using robust methodologies, including desk-based, quantitative, or qualitative approaches. Projects may last up to 36 months and focus on practical, measurable improvements in animal welfare.

Overview of the 2026 Research Call

The 2026 Research Call targets research initiatives that enhance the welfare of managed species, including pets, livestock, and zoo animals. The program emphasizes:

• Evidence-based research to improve animal welfare

• Innovation in methodology, including experimental, observational, or qualitative approaches

• Practical impact for veterinary care and animal management

This initiative allows researchers and veterinary professionals to address pressing welfare challenges while generating high-quality, publishable evidence.

Key Focus Areas

The funding supports projects that:

• Promote animal welfare improvements across any managed species

• Apply rigorous research methods, including desk-based, quantitative, or qualitative studies

• Incorporate practical applications for veterinary care or animal management

• Enable collaboration with postgraduate students or research staff when appropriate

Projects may cover a broad range of topics, including:

• Veterinary interventions

• Behavioral enrichment

• Nutrition and husbandry improvements

• Welfare assessment tools and indicators

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be based in the UK

• Hold a demonstrable research track record, including peer-reviewed publications

• Be a practising veterinarian or veterinary nurse with research experience, or a researcher in a relevant field

• Be employed at a UK establishment capable of supporting the project for its full duration

Additional Notes on Eligibility

• Projects may involve postgraduate students or additional research staff

• Multidisciplinary or collaborative approaches are encouraged

• Only research-specific costs are funded; overhead costs are not covered

Why It Matters

This funding opportunity is crucial for:

• Advancing evidence-based practices in animal welfare

• Supporting innovation in veterinary research

• Ensuring better living conditions and care for managed species

• Encouraging UK-based researchers and veterinary professionals to generate practical, impactful knowledge

How to Apply / How it Works

Step 1: Identify a Research Question

• Focus on measurable improvements in animal welfare

• Ensure the project can be completed in up to 36 months

Step 2: Develop a Robust Methodology

• Choose desk-based, quantitative, or qualitative approaches

• Plan for data collection, analysis, and dissemination

• Include potential involvement of students or research staff

Step 3: Prepare the Budget

• Total funding available: £80,000

• Budget may cover:

  • Research staff or postgraduate student time

  • Equipment and consumables

  • Travel costs related to the project

  • Other project-specific expenses

• Note: Overhead costs cannot be funded

Step 4: Submit Application

• Provide evidence of research experience and institutional support

• Include detailed project plan, methodology, and expected outcomes

Step 5: Review and Selection

• Applications are evaluated on:

  • Innovation and relevance to animal welfare

  • Feasibility and robustness of methodology

  • Potential practical impact

  • Track record of the research team

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting without institutional support

• Failing to demonstrate a research track record

• Proposing projects with unclear welfare outcomes

• Requesting funds for overhead costs

• Designing unrealistic timelines beyond 36 months

Tips for Success

• Clearly define welfare improvements and practical impact

• Use a robust and well-structured methodology

• Demonstrate prior research achievements and publications

• Highlight collaboration potential, including students or staff

• Ensure the budget aligns strictly with project costs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the total funding available?
   £80,000, which may support one or multiple projects.

2. What is the maximum project duration?
   Projects may last up to 36 months.

3. Who can apply?
   Practising vets, vet nurses, and researchers based in the UK with prior research experience.

4. What costs are eligible?

   • Staff or student time

   • Equipment and consumables

   • Travel and project-specific costs

   • Overhead costs cannot be funded

5. Are all animal species eligible?
   Yes, projects can focus on any managed species.

6. Is prior publication required?
   Yes, applicants must demonstrate a peer-reviewed research track record.

7. Can students apply directly?
   No, but postgraduate students can participate under the supervision of an eligible principal investigator.

Conclusion

The 2026 Animal Welfare Research Call provides a unique opportunity for UK-based researchers and veterinary professionals to advance the welfare of managed species. By funding innovative, evidence-based projects, the initiative supports the development of practical solutions, rigorous science, and measurable improvements in animal care and management.

For more information, visit Animal Welfare Foundation.