Each year, the Foundation will announce the issues that it believes merit attention for further research. The list of topics for the next round will be published in September 2024. Proposals that address subjects directly related to these issues will receive priority consideration.

We are aware of the dynamic environment that may give rise to new factors which impact horse welfare. Proposals that address other key questions of the time will also be welcome.

Regardless of the research topic, we are looking for well-defined studies that closely match the Foundation’s overall objectives. All proposals must demonstrate that sound scientific methodology will be applied in an effective manner, following ethical and safety standards of the highest possible level. The Foundation requires that the findings of all studies it funds be made publicly available through presentation and publication.

All proposals will be subject to vigorous assessment. They will first be reviewed by our Veterinary Advisory Committee, who will leverage an international network of scientific and clinical experts to strengthen the diversity and fairness of the review process to determine the quality of the proposed studies and their potential to make meaningful contributions to existing knowledge. The Board of Directors will then make the final decision on supporting new projects.

Applications can be submitted to one of three grant programmes via our on-line portal. These are summarised below with further details of each grant programme available in the Grant Administration Manual.

Major Research Grant

Funding for research teams which share a vision to tackle major equine welfare-related issues by conducting original, high quality scientific research with good translational potential.

Researchers: Principal Investigator at an academic institution. Collaboration with other organisations is welcome.
Eligible Organisations: University or other academic institutions
Funding Duration: Maximum 3 years
Funding Scale: Up to HKD3,000,000
Application Start Date: 1 December 2024

Pump-prime Funding

Support for “proof of concept” studies to test innovative and creative ideas with the clear aim of encouraging more substantial studies under the Foundation’s Major Research Grant or other grant opportunities.

Researchers: Lead Applicant who is an independent researcher at an academic institution and their Project Team
Eligible Organisations: University or other academic institutions
Funding Duration: Maximum 12 months
Funding Scale: Up to HKD300,000
Application Start Date: 1 December 2024

Small Research Project

Offer opportunities to clinicians, scientists and practitioners working in the equine field to develop ideas and practices which may be applicable in their workplaces and of benefit to the wider community.

Researchers: Veterinary surgeons, scientists or other practitioners in equine-related fields
Eligible Organisations: University or other academic institutions, Racing Clubs, Registered Veterinary Practice or other relevant organisations
Funding Duration: Maximum 12 months
Funding Scale: Up to HKD150,000
Application Start Date: 1 December 2024

We support science graduates and veterinary clinicians wishing to develop a career in equine research by providing a stipend while they undertake a PhD, their university fees and a research budget. Each applicant must have already identified a project and supervisor at a university and the award must be managed through that organisation. The student’s past academic performance, commitment to furthering his/her career and the validity of the proposed project will all be assessed when determining whether to make an award.

Applications for Training Scholarship must be submitted via our on-line portal. Further details of the programme can be found in the Administration Manual for Research Training Scholarship.

Research Training Scholarship

Nurture emerging talent by supporting graduates of veterinary science or relevant disciplines to undertake research related on the Foundation's objectives while pursuing a PhD. The scholarship aims to develop the research competencies of the recipients in order to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to become independent researchers in the future.

Researchers: Senior academic focused on developing young research talent and an outstanding candidate to pursue a PhD
Eligible Organisations: University or other academic institutions
Funding Duration: Maximum 4 years
Funding Scale: Up to HKD3,000,000
Application Start Date: 1 December 2024