SCAS Funding Opportunities – 2020

Please note, applications for this year’s funding is now closed.

The Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) is releasing a three-year 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 are currently prioritising applications for research which have a focus on:

  • Animal assisted interventions, particularly with children
  • The human-companion animal relationship
  • Cross disciplinary working

We also welcome projects or research that include:

  • Children and companion animals
  • Older people and companion animals
  • People with diverse needs and companion animals
  • Companion animal loss
  • The bond-centred veterinary practice

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 1 September 2020.

How can I apply?

To apply for a SCAS grant, please email Alison German, SCAS Administrator, at: info@scas.org.uk using the subject line “SCAS 2020 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.

Please note, applications for this year’s funding is now closed.

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 31 August 2021.

If you have any question please contact us on: info@scas.org.uk.