Animal welfare research is significantly underfunded relative to the scale of suffering addressed, with major gaps in invertebrate welfare, wild animal welfare, and positive welfare indicators.
The field of animal welfare science has made major advances in pain assessment, stress physiology, and welfare indicators. However, research funding is fragmented and inadequate given the number of animals affected. Invertebrate welfare, wild animal welfare, positive welfare indicators, and cost-effective interventions are priority gaps. Independent research without industry funding is particularly needed. Academic careers in animal welfare science need stronger institutional support.