Wild Animal Initiative Fellowships support early-career scientists (PhD students or postdocs) who aspire to research careers in wild animal welfare.

Accepted applicants work with a WAI mentor to expand their initial project proposal into a robust wild animal welfare research plan. A three-month placement period follows, focused on developing the project and building the skills and knowledge needed. Fellows then complete their WAI-funded project in close collaboration with their academic supervisor and WAI mentor. Fellowships last 1–3 years, depending on career stage and project duration.

Application process (four stages):

• Application form: your research background, understanding of wild animal welfare science, and career goals in the field.
• Project proposal: shortlisted applicants are invited to submit an initial project proposal.
• Review response: a written response based on reviewer feedback.
• Interview: final candidates are interviewed by WAI researchers.

Specific timelines are given in the call for proposals (CFP) announcement and are not included on this page.

Selection criteria: interest in developing a research career in wild animal welfare science, relevance of the initial project concept, ability to meet high standards of scientific rigor, and openness and adaptability to feedback from WAI and the mentor.

Important notes:

• Projects must be led by the fellow with support from an experienced supervisor. Applicants must have identified a primary academic supervisor before applying.
• Applicants invited to submit a project proposal must also submit a welfare triangulation plan. Using previously validated welfare indicators is strongly encouraged.
• The stipend may be subject to tax or other deductions depending on your country and institution. WAI cannot advise on this.

Fellow expectations:

• Attend regular meetings with the WAI mentor and WAI journal club meetings, and complete reading and training on wild animal welfare science.
• Familiarize themselves with WAI's mission and key concepts and reflect them in presentations, papers and other communications about the project.
• Provide regular project updates and discuss substantive changes with the mentor.
• Actively seek opportunities to integrate wild animal welfare concepts in current and future research.
• Produce at least one peer-reviewed article based on the fellowship project.
• Prepare at least one conference presentation per year of fellowship.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for feedback from WAI and other grantees.

Deadline: applications are open through October 31.

• Early-career researchers: PhD students or postdocs.
• Aspiration to build a research career in wild animal welfare science.
• A primary academic supervisor with relevant experience identified before applying, who supports the applicant's goals in this field.
• A relevant initial project concept, led by the applicant.
• Geographic and nationality eligibility: not specified in the announcement.

• A grant of up to $100,000 USD per year, for up to 3 years.
• A mandatory fellow stipend of at least $50,000 per year, which can be increased up to $75,000 per year to match a standard postdoc salary at the fellow's institution. Where no clear benchmark exists, WAI applies location-based data.
• Mentorship from a Wild Animal Initiative mentor.
• A three-month placement period to develop the project and build skills and knowledge.
• Training and reading on wild animal welfare science, and participation in WAI journal club meetings.