petting dogs grants

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, and welfare of companion animals globally. 
 
At Mars Petcare we believe it's important to conduct rigorous research into whether pets make our lives better. 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: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS. 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.

2023 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 2023 research funding call, we are inviting applications for projects whose outcomes will contribute to this, rather than constraining the scope by scientific area. 

Applications from scientific researchers who are in the early stages of their career are encouraged. We also welcome applications from scientists with disabilities and can provide adjustments to ensure that everyone can participate fully in the selection process. Please contact us via email at contactwaltham@effem.com to find out more.

Awards of up to £25,000 are available. 

Closing date: 2nd May

Further details, frequently asked questions, and the application form are available to download in the Application Documents section below. 

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

WALTHAM™ Foundation call for applications

WALTHAM™ Foundation Frequently Asked Questions

WALTHAM™ Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) Research Programme

For over 40 years, Waltham has supported research from around the world which aims to understand, advance and share knowledge about the relationship between humans and companion animals. Waltham funded research has explored the role of pets in child development, society, educational settings, human aging and many different clinical applications (e.g., obesity, autism). Find out more about the research we have funded previously here.

2023 Research Funding Call

Waltham Petcare Science Institute is calling for applications to fund a high quality innovative research into Human-Animal Interaction (HAI). This research grant is part of Waltham’s continued support into high quality, evidence-based research critical to better understanding the beneficial relationship between people and companion animals. The knowledge brought about by this research grant is vital in bringing to life Mars Petcare’s purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS.

Applications have now closed.

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.

Who is eligible?

Students, residents, PhD candidates working towards a degree or board certification in the field of dog and cat nutrition presenting their results at the ESVCN or AAVN Conference.

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