Tenth Annual Meeting of the AWRN
Date: 17/09/2026
Chester Zoo, Chester, England
“AWRN at 10: Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future”
Main Event – 17th & 18th September 2026
Early Career Afternoon – 16th September 2026
Theme of meeting
The theme of the meeting is “AWRN at 10: Learning from the Past, Shaping the Future”. Talks, elevator pitches and breakout groups can be on any topic related to animal welfare, however submissions which highlight future challenges or draw together reflections on progress in Animal Welfare are particularly encouraged. The meeting will include talks of varying lengths and also breakout groups and horizon scanning activities.
We will shortly be generating a short-list of topics for AWRN Working Groups, which will bring together stakeholders and researchers to progress key topics in animal welfare, so the Breakout Groups at the Annual Meeting could be a good opportunity to launch discussions on a topic area of interest. Further details about plenary speakers and sessions coming soon!
Abstract submission is now open!
We welcome applications from all members of AWRN, both stakeholders and academics, to present at the upcoming 10th Annual Meeting. There are slots available for the following types of presentation:
1) Plenary talk (30 minutes, including questions)
2) ECR Plenary talk (30 minutes, including questions. Note that only Early Career Researchers* are eligible to apply for this)
3) Standard talk (10 minutes, including questions)
4) Elevator pitch (2 minutes, plus one question)
5) Breakout group (one hour of discussion around a specific topic with a smaller group of delegates)
* You may be classed as an Early Career Researcher if you do not yet have a permanent role, or are less than 2 years full-time (or equivalent duration of part-time work, excluding career breaks) into your first permanent position (e.g. lecturer). ECR Plenary talks will undergo a separate selection process (by the ECR Committee).
Abstract Submission Process
To submit an abstract for consideration you will need to complete the form indicating your preferred format of presentation, a title, short abstract (max 400 words) and any other supporting information about the work you wish to present. You will also be asked to declare in what ways AI has been used to assist with the writing of your abstract. The submission deadline is Tuesday 30th June at 5pm.
The link to submit an abstract can be found here:
Assessment Process
Presentations will be scored blind by members of the Coordinating Group of AWRN. They will score on scientific merit, originality and timeliness, relevance to animal welfare and AWRN, relevance to the Annual Meeting topic and clarity of writing. They will also be asked to consider any ethical concerns with the work carried out.
Abstract Submission Process
Registration is not currently open, an email will be sent to all AWRN Members once it has opened.
