Animal Welfare Research Priorities and Funding

Strategic investment in welfare research determines which welfare problems receive scientific attention and solutions.

Key Facts

Less than 1% of agricultural research funding is directed at animal welfare in most countries
Welfare research is often funded by industry, creating potential conflicts of interest
The Farm Animal Welfare Committee provides independent welfare research prioritisation advice
Welfare research that generates economic co-benefits receives more industry investment
Independent welfare research charities including UFAW fund critical welfare science

Welfare Considerations

Animal welfare science is systematically underfunded relative to its moral importance and practical impact potential. Research into welfare indicators, pain assessment tools, enrichment efficacy, and housing design generates information that could reduce suffering for billions of animals. Yet funding for this research is largely dependent on industry investment which naturally prioritises welfare improvements with production co-benefits. Independent welfare research funding fills critical gaps but at insufficient scale. Advocacy for public welfare research investment is itself a welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Support independent welfare research organisations through donations
Advocate for public research funding allocation that includes animal welfare as a priority
Learn about and share welfare research findings to increase their impact
Engage with consultation processes on research funding priorities
Support universities and research institutes developing welfare science programs