Centenary Research Award 

To celebrate 100 years of advancing animal welfare through science we are launching a £250,000 Centenary Research Award. 

Science for Animal Welfare (formerly UFAW) celebrates its centenary in 2026.  Since 1926, we have been advancing the science that shapes how animals are treated around the world, from animals used in research and farmed animals to wildlife and species that often get overlooked.  

Scientific enquiry is one of the most powerful and practical ways to improve the lives of animals. Science for Animal Welfare works to increase our understanding of what matters to animals and turn that understanding into real-world change for animals. 

Over the past century we have funded independent research, helped establish the 3Rs as the global framework for humane use of animals in research, and fundamentally shaped animal welfare science and standards worldwide. Research we have funded has produced novel methods for assessing animal welfare, delivered refinements that improve the lives of millions of animals each year, and helped launch the careers of scientists now leading the field. We expect this Centenary Research Award to make a contribution on the same scale. 

What we are looking for  
The only condition (for the topic) is that the project must seek to address either  

1) a major animal welfare challenge in terms of severity, duration, and number of animals affected or at risk, or  

2) a fundamental animal welfare question.  

Timeline and procedure 
This is a two-stage application process.  

• By 31 December 2026: Initially, applicants are asked to submit a brief Concept Note (complete with curriculum vitae(s) and publications lists) using this form.  

• By 28 February 2027: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.  
  (Please note that an invitation to submit a detailed proposal is not a guarantee that the project will be funded). 

• 15 May 2027: Deadline for full, invited applications.  
  Detailed proposals will be peer-reviewed, and any queries raised by reviewers will be shared with applicants to allow them to respond prior to final selection of the successful application. We may also call short-listed applicants for interview before making an award. We aim to announce the successful applicant by the end of August 2027. It is expected that research projects would begin late 2027 or early 2028. 

We will assess applications against: 

• Animal welfare impact – how significant is the project’s likely impact on animal welfare? (This can include increasing our understanding of the severity of a welfare problem.) 

• Scientific novelty, quality and rigour – we expect research funded by us to be novel, ethically sound, and designed to deliver robust results. 

• Career development for the researchers involved – ideally, we want our support to advance the careers of the researchers involved, so the impact lasts beyond the funding period. 

Who can apply? 
Applicants from anywhere in the world are welcome to apply. However, please be aware that sometimes, for reasons beyond our control (such as international sanctions) Science for Animal Welfare may not be able to make certain awards. 

The principal applicant must be affiliated with a research institute or other organisation that can host the project and administer the funds.   

Co-funded projects are welcome, though this is not a requirement.  
 
What can the money be used for? 
We will provide up to £250,000 to support a research project seeking to address either a major animal welfare challenge OR a fundamental animal welfare question, as outlined above.   

• The project duration must be at least 2 years, and may be up to 4 years, starting in late 2027 or early 2028The award can be used to cover salaries and research costs up to a maximum value of £250,000.  

• Science for Animal Welfare does not usually support university overheads. 

A summary budget is required in the Concept Note, and a detailed budget will be required at the full application stage. 
 
Please upload files in  a PDF format, and read the Terms and Conditions for Science for Animal Welfare Research Grants carefully before  applying.