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
Abstract submission has now closed
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
Applications were invited 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
Abstract submission has now closed.
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.
Event Attendance Fund
The AWRN Event Attendance Fund aims to provide flexible funding to enable members to attend the AWRN Annual Meeting. It can be used to cover the costs of travel and accommodation for the AWRN Annual Meeting for those who don’t have alternative means of paying. It can also cover additional costs incurred such as paying for childcare or for a carer to accompany someone to a meeting, thus widening participation.
Please refer to details of the funding to check your eligibility and complete the application form.
Registration
Registration for the event is now open. Tickets can be purchased through the Queen’s University Belfast online shop:
A limited number of Early bird tickets are available until 31st July or until they sell out. Prices are as follows:
Early Bird Price |
Price |
|
Early Career Researcher Afternoon |
– |
£30 |
Standard Registration |
£130 |
£160 |
Student Registration |
£90 |
£120 |
Tickets include lunches and refreshments on both days, access to the zoo both days and a drinks event on Thursday. Tickets for the Early Career Afternoon on 16th September cost an additional £30 and give all day zoo access as well as lunch and refreshments.
Travel and Accommodation
Chester Zoo is located on the outskirts of the city of Chester at postcode CH2 1EU. We have compiled a guide to travel and accommodation which can be found here:
