The International Farm Animal Welfare Fellowship is an online fellowship program that unites 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 and engage with leaders in the farm animal welfare field.

We believe that a multidisciplinary approach is needed to improve farm animal welfare, and therefore welcome and encourage individuals with diverse backgrounds and approaches to apply. Potential strategies range from applying animal welfare science to the development and promotion of plant-based diets.

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, Good Food Fund, Compassion in World Farming, as well as renowned universities such as Princeton University and Shandong University. For more details on the first fellowship, 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. Though surveys show a majority of Chinese think conditions for farm animals should be improved, intensification of farming practices continues to pose significant challenges to the welfare of farm animals living in China.

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.

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 future 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

-Clarify career direction and identify funding opportunities

-Be fluent in English and Chinese

-Have a strategic, big-picture approach to thinking about problems

-Be solutions-oriented and highly motivated

-Be open to new ideas and diverse viewpoints

Ideally, applicants to the program should be seeking a career that advances the welfare of animals in China. Preference will be given to those in the early stages of their career in this field.

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.