Animal Welfare Science in 2027: Sentience, Measurement, and Impact

Forward-looking overview of animal welfare science priorities and expected developments in 2027.

Key Facts

Invertebrate sentience research is expected to produce significant new evidence
Positive welfare science is developing validated indicators for multiple species
Welfare measurement innovation is producing better tools for welfare quantification
AI-assisted welfare assessment is moving from research to practice
Welfare economics research is quantifying the value of welfare interventions

Welfare Considerations

Animal welfare science in 2027 is at an exciting frontier, with invertebrate sentience evidence developing, positive welfare indicators being validated, and AI-assisted assessment tools transitioning from research to practice. Welfare economics research is building the quantitative case for welfare investment. These advances will strengthen the evidence base for advocacy, policy, and consumer information. Supporting welfare science funding is an investment in the foundations of future welfare progress.

What You Can Do

Support animal welfare science research funding through key organisations
Follow sentience research publications and their policy implications
Engage with welfare measurement innovation and its applications for advocacy