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New grant launched for animal welfare research
Applications close midnight on Wednesday 15 October 2025.
Up to £42,000 is available for a master’s degree.

Applications have opened for a new grant intended to fund master’s degree research into animal welfare.

BSAVA PetSavers has partnered with the Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) to offer up to £42,000 to cover a postgraduate student stipend at BBSRC standard rates.

The grant can also cover university fees, equipment and consumables of up to £10,000 depending on the project. A veterinary stipend can be requested.

Primary applications must be made by the prospective supervisor, and can be submitted before or after they have chosen a potential student. Applications close midnight on Wednesday, 15 October.

The applicant does not need to be a veterinary professional. However, they must have an appropriate level of veterinary experience for the project they wish to conduct.

Applications should include a letter of support from the head of department or practice principal. It should also include evidence that ethical approval has been obtained or applied for.

Applicants will be notified if their proposal has been shortlisted at the end of November 2025, with a funding decision made in spring 2026.

Sarah Williams, BSAVA PetSavers fundraising and grant awards manager, said: “We look forward to initiating this funding partnership with AWF. By pooling our resources and expertise, we can further increase our impact in animal welfare and help the next generation of researchers get started in this important field.” 

Julian Kupfer, chair of the AWF board of trustees, and trustee Charlotte Burn continued: “We are delighted to join forces with BSAVA PetSavers to fund a Master of Research postgraduate degree.

“We are aware of the importance and scarcity of research funding especially in disciplines such as animal welfare, so collaborating with BSAVA PetSavers presents an ideal opportunity for researchers in companion animals to focus on the welfare of pets as well as clinical research.”

For more information or to apply, visit the BSAVA PetSavers website.

Image © Shutterstock

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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