Press Releases

HSA opens applications for its Student/Trainee scholarships

29 October 2020

The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) is inviting applications for its Student/Trainee Scholarships.
The scholarships provide a good first step for those wishing to pursue a career in animal welfare research, or in careers where food animal welfare in markets, during transport or at slaughter is a concern. Each Scholarship offers up to £2,400 to enable students and industry trainees to carry out a project which is aimed at improving the welfare of food animals in markets, during transport or at slaughter.

Over 50 Scholarships have been awarded since the scheme’s inception, and applicants are encouraged to design their own projects in areas they are particularly interested in. Projects now being undertaken by current scholars include one which looks at reducing the stress of isolation in sheep during the process of electrical stunning at slaughter and an investigation into the handling and transportation of UK farmed deer.

Applications are welcomed from students and industry trainees registered at universities or establishments in the UK and those registered outside the UK with a UFAW/HSA University LINK person (ufaw.org.uk/links). The project may be carried out as an integral part of a student's coursework over an academic year or during the summer vacation.

The HSA understands that some students may feel uncertain about applying for a Scholarship due to the impact of Covid-19. The HSA’s CEO Huw Golledge said: “In these extraordinary times the HSA is doing its best to continue supporting the welfare of animals during marketing, transport and at the time of slaughter and is processing applications for funding as usual. We understand that some of those awarded a Student/Trainee Scholarship may experience problems carrying out their project, and we are keen to help them overcome these issues. If their project is impacted by Covid-19 we ask them to contact us to discuss how we can help. We can offer no-cost extensions to grants in many cases and will consider any other adjustments which may help HSA-supported activities to continue.”

The closing date for completed applications is Sunday 28th February 2021. All applications will be acknowledged and we aim to notify the successful scholars by the end of May 2021. Further information regarding the Scholarship can be found on the HSA’s website hsa.org.uk/grants-awards

-ENDS-

Note to Editors:
The Student/Trainee Scholarships were established in 1986 as a memorial to the late Dorothy Sidley MBE, who was General Secretary of the HSA for 48 years.

The Humane Slaughter Association (HSA) is an independent charity recognised internationally for promoting scientific, technical and educational advances towards improving the welfare of food animals worldwide at slaughter, killing, marketing and transport.

Its work includes researching, refining and demonstrating humane slaughter methods, publishing material such as guidelines, best practice, books and videos, funding research projects and the development of equipment. Specialist technical staff provide expert and practical advice on all welfare issues relating to food animals.

The HSA is funded by voluntary donations, subscriptions and legacies.

For more information about the HSA’s work call 01582 831919, email info@hsa.org.uk or visit www.hsa.org.uk

Download PDF