DENVER/July 19, 2022 – Morris Animal Foundation is now accepting requests for proposals for studies focused on equine behavior related to health and wellness.
“This call for proposals provides researchers the opportunity to take a closer look at behavior issues that impact the health of equid species,” said Dr. Janet Patterson-Kane, Morris Animal Foundation Chief Scientific Officer. “We recognize the importance of behavior as a component of animal health and overall welfare. This call will advance our knowledge of equine behavior, with a particular emphasis on guiding interventions and improving well-being.”
Proposals should focus on improving the lives of horses by increasing our understanding of the behavioral domain. This includes areas such as cognition, learning, stereotypies, separation anxiety, affiliative behavior toward (bonding with) humans, equine psychopharmacology, and the effects of equine temperament on welfare. Proposals may involve domesticated or wild horses.
The maximum project duration is 12 months, and the budget cannot exceed $10,000 USD. Indirect costs are not permitted for this RFP.
This Donor-Inspired Study is generously funded by Dr. Wendy Koch, who has supported the Foundation for more than 30 years. Dr. Koch has closely followed equine behavior and welfare research and regretted that specific funding available in these fields has been minimal. Working with Morris Animal Foundation, she decided to create a fund with such a focus.
All proposals submitted to Morris Animal Foundation in response to this RFP will undergo administrative and scientific review by a Scientific Advisory Board. Interested researchers can find additional information, including award types and funding levels at Morris Animal Foundation Apply for a Grant.
Scientific Advisory Board
- Anneliese Heinrich, DVM, MSc, Rockyview Behavior Consulting
- Cheryl Kolus, MS, DVM, Synterex, Inc.
- Emanuela Dalla Costa, DVM, PhD, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Universita degli Studi di Milano
- Katrina Merkies, PhD, BBRM (Equine Management), University of Guelph
- Kris Hiney, PhD, Oklahoma State University
- Leanne Proops, DVM, PhD, University of Portsmouth
- Monique Udell, PhD, CAAB, Oregon State University
- Sarah King, PhD, Colorado State University
- Sue McDonnell, MS, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
About Morris Animal Foundation
Founded in 1948, Morris Animal Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit animal health research organizations in the world, funding more than $142 million in critical studies across a broad range of species. Learn more at morrisanimalfoundation.org.
Media Contact: Kelly Diehl
