Grants & awards
We partner with key scientific and academic organisations globally in order to advance pet care research, share knowledge and support the education of scientists, veterinarians, and human-animal interaction researchers to deliver our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS We have a number of research funding and award opportunities available.
WALTHAM™ Foundation
The WALTHAM Foundation is a non-charitable research funding mechanism through which Mars Petcare offers research grants to advance the understanding in the nutrition, health, behaviour, development and welfare of companion animals globally.
Mars Petcare is one of Mars Inc’s largest and most diverse business segments, driven by a shared purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. As a science driven business, Mars invests in research.
The WALTHAM Foundation is just one way in which we support key scientific and academic organisations globally to advance research and disseminate knowledge to support our purpose.
The vast number of peer-reviewed publications and internationally recognized presentations emanating from this work is a testament to the calibre of the proposals we receive and the quality of the projects we have supported.
2025-2026 Funding application call
We know that many different scientific disciplines and areas of expertise can contribute to our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.
For the 2025-2026 research funding call, application guidance is as follows:
1. Projects led by researchers in emerging and developing economies
We invite applications from researchers in emerging and developing economies (For further details, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions document).
Eligible proposals may address any aspect of scientific research, including:
- Nutrition
- Health
- Behaviour
- Development
- Welfare of companion animals
Our objective is to drive innovative research in regions with unique perspectives and potential to contribute new global insights into pet care.
2. Projects focusing on underserved or under-researched companion animal populations anywhere in the world
We invite proposals from researchers based anywhere in the world, provided the research targets underserved or under-researched companion animal populations. This aims to expand the scope of scientific research and address critical gaps in knowledge across diverse geographic and demographic contexts.
Eligible proposals may address any aspect of scientific research, including:
- Nutrition
- Health
- Behaviour
- Development
- Welfare of companion animals
Applications
Applications for the 2025-2026 research funding call are now closed.
Selection Process
All research projects must comply with the relevant Mars Ethics Policies, whereby the research must not inflict suffering or result in the euthanasia of the animals involved. All clinical studies must have informed owner consent.
All applications are evaluated by a team of scientists to ensure compliance with our ethical principles, a high standard of science and the outcomes will contribute to the knowledge of and benefit the nutrition, health, behaviour, or welfare of companion animals. We encourage researchers to share the results of studies funded as broadly as possible, for example, via scientific publications or through appropriate conferences and symposia.
Application Documents
- WALTHAM™ Foundation application form (opens in a new window)
Nutrition presentation student research awards
Each year, Waltham offers an award to the best student presentation at the annual ESVCN (European Society of Veterinary & Comparative Nutrition) and AAVN (American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition) Congresses.
