About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Animal Welfare Research Network (AWRN) was established to enhance collaboration and cohesion among researchers working in animal welfare science. Through its annual workshop funding scheme, the network aims to stimulate innovative discussions, encourage new collaborations, and increase successful research grant applications while improving the societal impact of animal welfare research.
For the 2026 funding round, AWRN is offering grants of up to £3,000 per workshop. The programme encourages applicants to design events that facilitate learning, networking, and collaboration across disciplines and sectors.
Collaborative proposals are strongly encouraged, particularly those involving Early Career Researchers (ECRs).
Funding Overview
Programme: AWRN Workshop Funding 2026
Funding Amount:
Up to £3,000 per workshop
Eligible Activities:
Research workshops
Specialist training events
Working Group launches
Stakeholder engagement meetings
Research discussion forums
Knowledge exchange events
Collaborative planning workshops
Application Deadline:
Friday, 25 September 2026
Time: 5:00 PM (UK Time)
Purpose of the Workshops
The funded workshops should contribute to the broader mission of the Animal Welfare Research Network by encouraging collaboration and identifying new opportunities for research and innovation.
Proposed workshops may focus on:
Providing specialist training in animal welfare science
Sharing knowledge and best practices
Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration
Identifying emerging research priorities
Engaging policymakers and industry stakeholders
Supporting the professional development of researchers
Building stronger research partnerships
Launching collaborative working groups
Promoting innovation in animal welfare research
The programme welcomes creative ideas that clearly advance the objectives of the AWRN.
Who Can Apply?
The main applicant must:
Be an AWRN member for at least six months
Submit the application on behalf of the workshop team
Co-applicants and keynote speakers:
Do not need to be AWRN members
May come from different research disciplines or sectors
Collaborative applications involving multiple institutions or organizations are encouraged.
International Workshops
The network will fund only one international workshop during the 2026 funding cycle.
Applicants proposing international events must demonstrate that:
AWRN members will benefit substantially
Registration is made available to AWRN members first
Hybrid participation or recorded sessions are offered where appropriate
Workshop outputs remain accessible to the wider AWRN community
This approach ensures broad participation and long-term value for network members.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will undergo a blind review process conducted by members of the AWRN Coordinating Group.
Reviewers will assess proposals based on:
Alignment with AWRN objectives
Quality of the workshop plan
Timeliness and relevance
Expected participation and engagement
Value for money
Experience of the organizing team
Expected outcomes and long-term impact
Ethical considerations
Applicants will also be required to declare how Artificial Intelligence (AI) was used, if at all, in preparing their workshop application.
Benefits of Receiving AWRN Workshop Funding
Successful applicants will enjoy numerous professional benefits, including:
Funding of up to £3,000
Opportunity to organize a workshop on a topic of their choice
Increased visibility within the animal welfare research community
Stronger collaborations across disciplines
Opportunities to engage policymakers and industry leaders
Experience in organizing academic and stakeholder events
Enhanced networking opportunities
Support for Early Career Researchers
Potential to generate future collaborative research proposals
The workshops also provide a valuable platform for developing innovative research ideas and strengthening international cooperation.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Animal welfare challenges are becoming increasingly complex, requiring collaboration among scientists, veterinarians, policymakers, industry representatives, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
By supporting workshops that facilitate dialogue and innovation, AWRN aims to accelerate scientific discovery while ensuring research findings have meaningful impact on policy, practice, and animal welfare outcomes.
The funding programme also plays an important role in supporting emerging researchers and fostering long-term collaborative research networks.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official AWRN Workshop Funding Application Form online before the deadline.
Applications submitted after 5:00 PM (UK time) on Friday, 25 September 2026 will not be considered.
Following submission:
Applications will be anonymized
Independent blind assessment will take place
Applicants will be informed of the outcome by the end of October 2026
Individuals with questions regarding eligibility or the application process are encouraged to contact the AWRN Network Manager before submitting their proposal.
Not Yet an AWRN Member?
Researchers interested in future funding opportunities should consider joining the Animal Welfare Research Network.
Membership is free, and members become eligible to apply for workshop funding after six months of membership.
Joining the network also provides access to collaboration opportunities, events, and a growing community of researchers committed to advancing animal welfare science.
Final Thoughts
The AWRN Workshop Funding 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for researchers and professionals to shape the future of animal welfare science through collaborative workshops and interdisciplinary engagement. Whether your goal is to launch a new research network, deliver specialist training, or bring together experts to address emerging challenges, this funding can help transform your ideas into impactful events.
With grants of up to £3,000, strong support for collaborative initiatives, and a focus on innovation and knowledge exchange, the programme is particularly attractive for Early Career Researchers and established academics alike.
Interested applicants should ensure they meet the membership requirements and submit their applications before the 25 September 2026 deadline.
How to apply