International Centre set to transform global animal welfare education

SRUC is set to take a bold new step on the global stage with plans to launch an International Centre for Animal Welfare Science and Education within its School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences. 

The Centre builds on SRUC’s world-leading expertise in animal behaviour and welfare and brings established global partnerships, deep in-house expertise and a strong commitment to capacity building in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). 

Focusing on regions across Asia, Africa and South America, the Centre collaborates with veterinary schools, agricultural universities and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) across the globe, to support science-based teaching and research embedding animal welfare sustainably into professional practice.  

While animal welfare will be the primary focus, the Centre will retain flexibility to expand into animal health where demand and funding allow. 

Global interest in animal welfare is growing rapidly across many LMICs, driven by expanding livestock production, increased pet ownership and rising global expectations around ethical food systems. Although international bodies such as the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) recommend animal welfare teaching in veterinary education, many institutions lack trained staff or established programmes. 

Cathy Dwyer, Professor of Animal Behaviour and Welfare at SRUC, said: “There is a clear global need for stronger capacity in animal welfare science. By working in genuine partnership with educators and researchers around the world, this centre will help build the skills, confidence and evidence base needed to improve animal welfare in ways that are locally relevant and sustainable.” 

The proposal builds on more than a decade of successful international collaboration and an active global programme of work. This includes recent engagement in India supporting a new animal welfare research centre and hosting visiting faculty in Edinburgh, as well as keynote contributions at major veterinary congresses in the Caribbean and in China. 

Further activity this year includes animal welfare forums with government agencies across Southeast Asia, participation in the ISAE Congress in New Delhi and collaboration in China through the ICCAW Congress with FAO. Ongoing partnerships also support postgraduate research and the development of welfare standards for species including poultry, ducks and donkeys. 

While current work largely reflects partner priorities in farmed animals, the Centre maintains a broad remit spanning all managed and wild species. 

Professor Caroline Argo, Head of SRUC’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, said: “This is a flagship vehicle for the advancement and support of animal welfare, both at home and internationally. Using established expertise and networks, the Centre provides a fulcrum for the dissemination of education and skills, greatly empowering and energising positive change across the sector.” 

Alongside the Centre, SRUC has launched a new MSc in International Animal Welfare (Distance Learning) - an innovative programme designed to prepare graduates to tackle complex welfare challenges on a global scale. 

The MSc equips students with: 

• A contemporary, international understanding of animal welfare science 

• The ability to design evidence-based solutions to complex real-world problems 

• Practical communication skills to engage diverse stakeholders 

• The confidence to work across cultures, systems and professional settings 

Grounded in real-world animal contexts, the programme uses problem-based learning, collaboration and critical analysis to develop adaptive professionals capable of leading meaningful change. Graduates will emerge ready to influence policy, improve professional practice and enhance the lives of animals worldwide. 

SRUC is positioning itself at the forefront of global animal welfare science by formalising its international efforts within a dedicated Centre and launching a forward-looking postgraduate programme. 

Cathy Dwyer added: “Together, the Centre and the MSc programme represent more than an academic initiative, they signal a long-term commitment to empowering the next generation of veterinary and animal science professionals to meet the world’s most pressing animal welfare challenges.” 

For more information on the centre visit our website.

For more information on the Masters Programme for International Animal Welfare visit https://www.sruc.ac.uk/msciaw 

Posted by SRUC on 05/05/2026