The BVA AWF trustees will consider funding proposals for projects which will have a clear and practical impact on animal welfare. Proposals must be submitted on BVA AWF funding proposal forms which can be downloaded below. You may also apply online.

AWF Research Grant Application

BVA AWF
The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF) is committed to improving the welfare of all animals through veterinary science, education and debate.

The principal aim of the Foundation is to apply the knowledge, skill and compassion of veterinary surgeons in an effective way through a variety of projects and activities.

Through veterinary science, education and debate, the BVA AWF is committed to finding practical solutions to the welfare problems of all animals, and then disseminating this information amongst veterinary practitioners, nurses and students, farmers, animal care workers and the general public.

TITLE OF STUDY
The title must be brief, clear and specific designation of the subject of the study

STATEMENT OF INTENT
BVA AWF research funds support projects that directly impact on the health and welfare of companion animals and livestock predominantly but not exclusively in the United Kingdom. Consideration will be given to proposals addressing important welfare issues that increase awareness of animal welfare in both the veterinary profession and related industry and also in a more general sphere. Applicants are encouraged to clearly and briefly state the importance of the proposed study relevance to the Foundation’s interests and how their approach will provide a novel contribution to the improvement of animal welfare.

PRINCIPAL APPLICANTS AND CO-APPLICANTS
Please state the name, degrees, title or position of the principal applicant and coapplicants and list personnel who will be involved in the study. Include a short vitae of the principal applicant and the names and contact details of two referees.

REFEREES
Please state the names and contact details of two referees.

BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE
Briefly describe the background leading to the current proposal critically evaluate existing knowledge, and specifically identify the gaps which this study is intended to fill. Any preliminary data where available will substantially enhance the viability of the application. In addition cite important publications from other institutions.

SPECIFIC AIMS AND HYPOTHESIS
Please clearly and succinctly state the specific hypothesis and aims of the study.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Protocols: Describe the working plans and methods to satisfy the stated aims and objectives, include experimental design and procedures in detail and give a rationale for their use. References should be included where necessary.

Animal use: For all procedures using live animals justification for the choice of species and the number of animals used must be included. Information on the provision of veterinary care must also be stated. All projects must have local ethical approval and where procedures are subject to Home Office regulation please include a cost-benefit analysis and any other relevant documentation. For clinical studies, document availability of sufficient case material.

Duration: The Foundation will support projects of up to three-year duration. All projects are subject to six-monthly review (please see interim report guidelines). State the proposed duration of the project indicating appropriate milestones. Estimate how much of the proposal is expected to be completed in the first half of the funding period and discuss any potential delays anticipated and alternative strategies. If applicable, please indicate whether future funding for continuation of the project is anticipated.

Outcomes: Discuss expected outcomes and state proposed methods of analysis and interpretation of results where applicable. State how these findings support the specific hypothesis and aims of the study and how implementation of theses findings will have a direct effect on improvement of animal welfare.

Knowledge transfer: Please indicate journals/venues at which findings are to be published or presented. Prior to publication please submit any material to BVA AWF for approval. All publication should also contain prominent acknowledgement of the funding received by BVA AWF.

BUDGET
A detailed budget should include the estimated cost to the Foundation of personnel, expendable supplies, and animal and animal maintenance where applicable. The foundation does not pay for building costs or purchase of laboratory equipment.

Please state if the proposed project part of a larger on-going programme. Include previous and proposed funding by other institutions and from any other source. Please indicate if this application is a continuation, or next phase of a previous AWF-funded study. If so please state the study title, year started and year ended. Please also state in this is a resubmission of a previous unapproved proposal. If so please indicate the title and date of previous unsuccessful submission.

Please note that if you are seeking funding of £20,000 or above you will need to complete an additional form which is available here .

Please fill in the online application form below: