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Student research grant scheme opens for applications
Previous recipients have received grants of up to £5,000.
Funding is available for animal welfare research projects.

A grant scheme for animal welfare projects by undergraduate students is now open for applications.

The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) Student Grant Scheme is looking to fund short research projects addressing animal welfare issues relevant to managed animals in the UK.

Undergraduate students in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing, animal welfare studies, agricultural sciences, zoology, and social sciences are invited to apply.

The grant scheme has been running since 2016 and has invested more than £85,000 in student research projects. Previous projects have received grants of between £500 and £5,000.

Julian Kupfer, chair of AWF, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with scientific research and gain hands-on experience whilst furthering their understanding of animal welfare.

“This will help them to develop essential skills for their professional careers as well as creating valuable evidence and research for the animal welfare sector to reflect upon and learn from.”

AWF is a charity run by the British Veterinary Association to champion and improve the welfare of animals in the UK through independent research, education, and debate. Funding will be awarded to several projects after AWF received a £12,000 grant from the Benefact Group to fund the grant scheme for this year.

AWF manager Erika Singh added: “We are incredibly grateful to the Benefact Group for this generous grant. Robust scientific evidence is needed to address the many welfare issues faced by animals today.

“This funding ensures we can keep supporting students to make a real difference in addressing the challenges animals face and help build a strong pool of future animal welfare advocates, whose work is rooted in science.”

The deadline for submissions is 28 February 2024. Information about how to apply can be found here.

Image © Shutterstock


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Vets launch new podcast for pet owners

News Story 1
 Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.

The venture, called Vets Talking Pets, provides advice and information on a range of topics, including how to select a suitable pet, where to obtain them and how to get the best out of your vet. Maggie and Vanessa will also discuss sensitive subjects, including end-of-life care, raw food diets and the cost of veterinary care.

The podcast can be found on all the usual podcast sites, including Podbean, Apple, Amazon Music and YouTube. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS Regional Question Time heads to Edinburgh

The RCVS is to bring its Regional Question Time (RQT) to Edinburgh for 2026.

The event will take place at Novotel Edinburgh Park in Edinburgh on Wednesday, 20 May 2026.

It will begin with supper and drinks at 6.30pm, with an evening programme from 7.30pm. This will start with an update on RCVS' activities, followed by questions and answers with representatives.

RCVS is encouraging an 'open dialogue', in which queries can be raised in a friendly, informal environment.

While discussions are expected to be audience-led, the RQT is expected address major issues including the VSA, the CMA's remedy package and the VN Vision project.

Tim Parkin, RCVS president, said: "It's an important time for the professions, and I'm looking forward to meeting colleagues in Scotland as we navigate this period of change together so we can come out stronger."

Tickets can be booked here.