Animal Welfare Trust Grants: Now open

The AVA’s Animal Welfare Trust (AWT) is now inviting applications for its 2026 grant round, open from 23 February to 29 March. These grants support research projects that advance animal welfare and help build the next generation of expertise in veterinary and animal science. 

Funds may be awarded to assist postgraduate students pursuing veterinary, honours, master’s, or PhD degrees, as well as those working towards Fellowship of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. The Trustees also encourage applications from students undertaking other studies with a strong focus on animal welfare. 

Last year’s recipient, Associate Professor in Veterinary Physiology Dr Marie Bhanugopan, was awarded $10,000 for her project “Strategic feeding to alleviate heat stress in lambs.” 

Her research investigates whether altering lambs' diets, such as adding rumen-protected fat or increasing protein level, can reduce negative effects of hot summer conditions on lambs in outdoor feedlots. When lambs experience heat stress, they often eat less, struggle to maintain energy levels, and may begin breaking down muscle tissue to cope with the heat. 

Chair of the AWT, Dr Tanya Stephens, said the Trust plays an important role in showcasing veterinarians’ deep commitment to the welfare of all animals. 

“The AVA’s Animal Welfare Trust is spreading the word on animal welfare and the great care veterinarians have towards all animals,” she said 

Practitioners can support the work of the Trust by:  

• making a voluntary contribution when renewing their AVA membership
• making a donation or bequest 
• advertising the work of the Trust by having AWT leaflets in their waiting rooms and included in sympathy cards 
• becoming an AWT sponsor by making a regular contribution 

Applications and further eligibility details can be found at: ava.com.au/animal-welfare-trust-research-grant 

The Animal Welfare Trust leaflet can be accessed, here.