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AWF Discussion Forum returns for 2025
The AWF was founded by BVA to fund research and educational initiatives.
This year’s debate topics have now been revealed.

The Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) Discussion Forum is to return for 2025, with this year’s issues for debate already revealed.

The event will be taking place on Monday, 19 May 2024 at the Cavendish Conference Centre in London, providing CPD sessions with a focus on animal welfare. Speakers from academic, business and government backgrounds will each offer their own perspective on issues affecting animal welfare.

Among the sessions is ‘Translating behaviour: How can veterinary professionals harness animal behaviour as a key welfare indicator with greater confidence?’.  This discussion will explore the science and significance of animal actions and how this reflects their mental states. It will also explore how these indicators can be proven with evidence.

‘Breeding for better welfare’ is set to address concerns about extreme breeding practices. Speakers will discuss the impact of research, policy and attitudes shape pathways for healthier and happier animals.

Providing a more business oriented perspective, ‘The economics of welfare’ will investigate the relationship between farm animal welfare and profitable business models. The session will consider how stakeholders can drive meaningful progress.

Alongside the scheduled content, attendees are also invited participate in ‘Lightning Talks’. Attendees will be able to go on stage to discuss the issues that they are passionate about.

The forum will also be an opportunity to hear the latest updates from AWF-funded research. The charity was founded by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) to fund research, educational initiatives and debates.

Julian Kupfer, chair of the AWF, said: “Year on year, the Discussion Forum grows in influence and impact, becoming a must-attend event for those passionate about driving evidence-based, positive change for animal welfare.

“In 2025, we’re confronting some of the most urgent and complex issues in our field, from extreme breeding to the economics of welfare. This is more than a conference – it’s a catalyst for change.”

Tickets for the event, including lunch and the evening reception, can be bought here.

Image © AWF

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.