The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) is inviting applications to its 2021 Student Grant Scheme for innovative projects designed to impact animal welfare. The scheme welcomes proposals from undergraduates studying veterinary and animal welfare degrees, but students from other disciplines are also welcome to apply.

Grants will fund projects on animal welfare topics that are relevant to the veterinary profession and help develop the student's skills as a researcher. This year, the AWF is also accepting projects which are carried out alongside EMS so long as they are supervised. For more information and to apply, visit animalwelfarefoundation.org.uk

MSD Animal Health UK is calling for submissions for its new High-Quality Pork - Precision Farming Award. A new award created to encourage innovation in the pig farming industry.

The award is aimed at pig producers who demonstrate an interest in bolstering pig farming and the health and wellbeing of animals. The winner will receive a 154,000 grant towards their project.

MSD Animal Health is asking for projects that focus on precision farming in pigs, with a demonstrated proof of concept and business model, if available. Topics of interest include herd health management, genetics and reproduction, streamlining of day-to-day activities, traceability and artificial intelligence.

The deadline for submissions is 31 October 2020. More information can be found on the MSD Animal Health website.

The UK government has announced that it will be running two free webinars for horse owners and exporters, explaining what steps to take to export horses from 1 January 2021.

The first webinar will take place on Tuesday 20 October 2020, from 9.30am to 11am. It will cover Export Health Certificate (EHC) requirements from 1 January 2021. Click here to register.

The second webinar will take place on Wednesday 4 November 2020, from 10.30am to 12pm. This session will focus on the steps that businesses need to take to export equines from the UK to the EU. Click here to register.

For more information on exporting horses and ponies after 1 January 2021, please visit the gov.uk website.

People across the UK are being encouraged to 'pose with a nose' on Friday, 18 September and raise funds for the 2020 Wetnose Day appeal.

Noses cost £5 and the money raised will go to Wetnose Animal Aid to distribute to UK animal sanctuaries. Now in its 20th year, the event is supported by a host of media personalities, including Chris Packham, Tom Hardy and Paul McCartney.

The appeal is especially pertinent this year, given that many animal rescue organisations are facing an influx of unwanted animals as well as financial difficulties. To find out more or to make a donation, visit wetnoseanimalaid.com

As ZSL London Zoo begins to get back on its feet, the organisation is putting out a call for volunteers who have time to help out. It comes after three months of unprecedented closure, which has seen zoos across the UK come under enormous financial pressure.

Volunteers will be required to commit to a minimum of half a day each fortnight, helping to assist zoo visitors as they make their way around. Volunteer manager Rhiannon Green said: "We need cheery, flexible people who can help visitors enjoy their day while respecting the measures that keep everyone safe.

For more information, visit zsl.org. Posts are available at both London and Whipsnade Zoos.

The Kennel Club has announced the appointment of Mark Beazley, who was previously Cats Protection's director of operations, as chief executive. Mark replaces Rosemary Smart, who stepped down from the role in April after 18 years.

Mark has held several senior strategic and executive roles, including executive director at Dogs Trust Ireland and chair of the Companion Animal Working Group at Eurogroup for Animals. He was also heavily involved in the establishment of the Eu Cat and Dog Alliance.

Mark will take up his new role in October.