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 two rounds of fellowship took place in 2021 and 2022 with 40 talented fellows from across the globe. During our weekly calls, fellows engaged with 30 guests from leading organizations including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), International Cooperation Committee of Animal Welfare (ICCAW), China Animal Health and Food Safety Alliance (CAFA), as well as renowned universities such as the Harvard, University of British Columbia (UBC), and Nanjing Agricultural University.

We hold bi-weekly online community calls for our IFAWF alumni, and provide continued support including connections to resources, training, and opportunities.

-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.