The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) is releasing another year’s funding scheme to support research, which furthers our understanding of the human-animal bond. The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between people and animals that is influenced by behaviours that are essential to the health and well being of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, and the environment.
For funding to be considered by SCAS, projects or research must be specifically related to the human-animal bond. We welcome abstracts from multi professional teams and we are interested in hearing from those that work in animal and human welfare.
We are currently prioritising applications for research which have a focus on:
One health, one welfare
- Ethical considerations in animal assistance
- Training and certification of therapy and service animals
- Health and well-being of animals and their human counterparts
- Policy development and regulatory frameworks
- Innovations in animal-assisted interventions
- Accessibility and inclusivity in animal assistance program
What can I apply for?
Each year we will fund up to:
- 5 x 10k maximum pump priming research awards
- 2 x 1.5k undergraduate students project award
- 1 x 1.5k maximum funding to support open access publication of research relating to SCAS priority areas
Projects should last no longer than 12 months, be able to demonstrate clearly how the proposal meets the SCAS objectives, outline plans for future development and be able to start by the 1st September 2024.
How can I apply?
To apply for a SCAS grant, please email Julia Stewart, SCAS Administrator, at: info@scas.org.uk using the subject line “SCAS 2024 Funding Application” and include the Chief Investigator’s surname. Ensure you attach a fully completed application with your email.
Prior to submitting a proposal, please ensure you review the following documents:
How will my application be assessed?
Applications will be evaluated by the SCAS review board made up of experts in the field. We will also ask a member of our lay advisory panel to review your application. Decisions on whether to fund applications will be made based on links to SCAS objectives, quality of study design, experience of the team, potential for impact, value for money, and potential to further the understanding of the human-animal bond.
Important dates for 2024 funding
The call for funding opens on the 31st January 2024.
The deadline for funding applications is the 31st March 2024.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the 31st May 2024. If successful, we will write to you to ask you to formally accept the offer and make you aware of any conditions of funding. All SCAS funded projects need to be completed by the 31st August 2025.
We recently held a free online webinar regarding our 2024 funding opportunities, please use this link to access the recording.
For more details on the scheme please contact: info@scas.org.uk
SCAS Funding Webinar
Join SCAS trustees and SCAS research grant awardees to hear about our upcoming 2024 funding round. We will provide more detail on the process of applying for funding from SCAS and share some top tips for success. Past award holders will share their experiences of applying for and holding SCAS research grants. There will also be the opportunity to ask any questions to members of the Research Working Group and to award holders.
This was a free online event, please use this link to access the webinar recording.