The International Farm Animal Welfare Fellowship is a fellowship program that aims to unite and support individuals with a shared passion for improving the welfare of farm animals in China. The fellowship enables fellows to form a supportive, close-knit community, engage with Chinese and international leaders and experts in the farm animal welfare field, and receive further support through an online fellowship program, 1-1 mentorship guidance, connection to resources, internship opportunities, and more.

We believe that a multidisciplinary approach is needed to improve farm animal welfare in China, and therefore welcome and encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and career stages to apply.

The first fellowship took place in October 2020-January 2021 with 18 talented fellows from across the globe. During our weekly calls, fellows engaged with 17 guest speakers from leading organizations including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Good Food Fund, Compassion in World Farming, as well as renowned universities such as Princeton University and Shandong University. For more details on IFAWF 2021, see our speaker and fellow testimonials.

The majority of the world's farm animals are currently raised in China. While per capita consumption of meat and dairy is below that of the world average, China’s large population, economic development, and rising household income have meant that overall consumption of animal products have more than doubled in the past three decades. The current global practices of animal agriculture affect not only animal welfare, but also food safety, public health, and the environment.

Chinese traditional values emphasize compassion and kindness towards non-human animals, and presently there is low but increasing interest in farm animal welfare by the Chinese government, agricultural industry leaders, academia, students, and the general public. Promisingly, surveys show that the majority of Chinese public think conditions for farm animals should be improved. Our next challenge is to improve the welfare of farm animals in practice.

As China continues its rise, a new generation of leaders will be needed to ensure the welfare of farm animals in China. The International Farm Animal Welfare Fellowship aims to engage, connect, and inspire these leaders.

-Develop an understanding of the history and advancements in the field of animal welfare

-Understand animal welfare issues and solutions in a Chinese context

-Cultivate an effectiveness-oriented mindset in relation to thinking about animal welfare problems

-Establish relationships with like-minded individuals throughout China and the world

-Receive expert guidance and accumulate project expertise

-Clarify career direction and identify funding opportunities

Essential qualities
-A strong interest in working on improving the welfare of farm animals in China
-Working proficiency in Mandarin
-English reading and writing skills
-Familiar with culture and society in Mainland China

Ideal qualities
-Rational, open-open minded, respectful of cultural differences
-Passionate, resilient, optimistic even during challenges
-No restrictions on background (preference is given to those with relevant backgrounds related to animals, food, agriculture, public health, environment, media studies, business, marketing, economics, education, project management, rural development)
-No restrictions on career stage

We believe diversity in background and intellectual outlook is important. Hence, all applicants will be considered without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), or sexual orientation.