We’ve joined forces with leading animal welfare organisations to launch the Animal Welfare Evidence Centre, a collaborative initiative designed to turn robust research into lasting change for animals.

Tackling the root causes

Our global head of research and policy, Dr Christopher Browne, will provide specialist expertise on farmed animal welfare in his role on the new centre’s Advisory Board.

Working alongside other leading experts from across the sector, Dr Browne will help identify critical gaps in research and translate complex science into clear, practical advice.

The centre will tackle the root causes of cruelty towards animals farmed for food, as well as animals in sport, fashion, and entertainment.

Strengthening the case for higher welfare standards, the centre’s findings will be used to influence government policy, business practices, and human behaviour.

Bridging the gap

The Animal Welfare Evidence Centre – created by the RSPCA in partnership with us, FOUR PAWS UK, and Humane World for Animals – will focus on understanding the underlying drivers of poor animal welfare, including:

farming systems that prioritise productivity over animals’ needs
gaps in legislation and enforcement
lack of awareness about animal sentience and welfare science.

How this supports our mission

Evidence has always underpinned our campaigning and policy work, and this centre will strengthen that foundation and support our efforts to:

advocate for higher welfare farming systems
challenge industry claims that undermine animal welfare
ensure animals’ interests are better represented in policy debates.

An exciting moment

Dr Christopher Browne said:

This is an exciting moment for the sector. Policy and business decisions on animal welfare are often made without the right evidence. This new centre will change that.

Robust research underpins everything we do, and the Evidence Centre will equip us with the strongest tools to deliver transformational change for animals.

CIWF expert helps lead new Animal Welfare Evidence Centre