HSA invites applications for its 2016 Dorothy Sidley Memorial Scholarships
23 September 2015
Established in 1986 as a memorial to the late Miss Dorothy Sidley, General Secretary to the HSA for 48 years, the Dorothy Sidley Scholarships provide up to £2,000 to enable students or trainees in the industry to carry out a project which is clearly aimed at improving the welfare of food animals in markets, during transport or at slaughter.
Over 50 Dorothy Sidley Scholarships have been granted since the award’s inception, supporting student research across a diverse range of topics, from investigating the welfare of sheep during sea transport to investigating links between pre-slaughter handling of cattle and meat quality.
The scholarships exist to encourage those with an interest in research and careers which fall within the remit of the HSA. Applicants 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. The project may be carried out as an integral part of a student's coursework over an academic year or during the summer vacation.
What is involved?
Applicants are encouraged to design their own projects, with guidance from supervisors, as necessary, to ensure that they are scientifically sound. The project must have a clear relevance to the welfare of farmed animals during transport, in markets or at slaughter and must be ethically acceptable. The HSA also provides some suggestions for projects each year (see the Information leaflet download). Applications should be submitted using the form provided on this webpage, or obtained from the HSA office. The HSA assesses all applications received and announces the winners in May each year. The HSA may make suggestions about the proposed methodology or approach, based on previous experience.
On completion of the project, scholars must write up and submit a copy of the full report to the HSA. The work carried out by scholars shall be regarded as confidential to the HSA unless permission to publish is specifically requested. Copies of any publications arising from the work should be forwarded to the HSA.
The Dorothy Sidley 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.